Structural and Functional Characterization of the Mouse Liver during Intermittent Fasting

Here, we investigated the effect of intermittent fasting (IF 8/16) on the ultrastructure of hepatocytes, redox metabolism, and autophagic processes in the liver of laboratory CD1 mice. The activity of enzymes indicative of liver dysfunction and a number of integral indices of the animals’ physical condition were also analyzed. It was shown that 3-week IF (8/16) led to the activation of autophagy in the liver, while exerting no negative impact on its functioning, redox status, or the overall physical condition of the animals. Ultrastructural analysis revealed positive alterations in hepatocytes: a decrease in glycogen content and lipid inclusions, normalization of mitochondrial ultrastructure. Thus, switching to IF (8/16) in the absence of liver injury/pathology promotes the activation of autophagic processes and improves hepatic structural and functional indices.