The Comparison of Serum Levels of IGF1 before and After Fasting in Healthy Adults

Ramadan is the ninth month of the lunar year, in which Muslims avoid eating and drinking from sunrise to sunset. Insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1) is a small peptide circulating in the blood. IGF1 is essential in regulating proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, and transformation. Studies have shown that a slight increase in IGF1 levels increases the risk of prostate, breast, colon, and lung cancer. This study evaluated the effects of fasting with regular consumption patterns and food avoidance on serum IGF1 concentration in healthy subjects before and after fasting.  A total of 40 healthy adults aged 18-55 years who fasted for about 16 hours a day and at least 20-25 days in Ramadan were included. The first sample was collected one week before Ramadan, and the second was obtained at the end of Ramadan. After taking 2cc of whole venous blood, sera were isolated, and IGF1 concentration was calculated by quantitative ELISA method using a DiaMetra kit.  There were 40 participants in the study, 31 of whom were female, and nine were male. The mean IGF1 before and after fasting was 198.6 ± 77.9 and 146.3 ± 44.5 ng/ml, respectively, with a 52 ng/ml difference.  Based on the results, fasting reduces the level of IGF1, indicating the benefits of fasting because of limiting the harmful effects of a risk factor for some diseases.