Effects of Ramadan Fasting on Apolipoproteins A and B and Atherogenic Index in Fasting and Non-Fasting Students

Several studies have been done on the effects of fasting on human health indicating the beneficial effects of fasting on weight control, lipid metabolism, and lowering blood pressure in healthy people. The present study aimed at investigating the effects of Ramadan fasting on apolipoproteins A and B (Apo A and Apo B) and the atherogenic index of the fasting and non-fasting students.

This quasi-experimental study was conducted on 29 men aged 20-25 years. The samples were divided into the fasting (n=15) and non-fasting (n=14) groups. Serum levels of apolipoproteins A and B, biochemical-hematological factors, and atherogenic index were measured three days before the fasting month and after Ramadan. The inter-group and intra-group comparison was performed using student’s t-test, and one-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was used to assess the differences between the groups. 

In the fasting group, a significant reduction was observed in Apo B, triglyceride, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein to high-density, and triglycerides to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio. However, the Apo A (P=0.001) and high-density lipoprotein (P=0.004) significantly increased after the intervention. The Atherogenic index, white blood cells, red blood cells, hemoglobin, hematocrit, and platelet count significantly decreased in the fasting group (P≤0.05).

According to the results, fasting during Ramadan could improve the biochemical and hematological factors. Therefore, it is recommended to use some biochemical and hematological indices to compare the effects of fasting to improve in of students these parameters.