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VOL. 2, ISSUE 1 (2026)
Intermittent fasting as a metabolic reprogramming strategy: Emerging molecular mechanisms and clinical perspectives
Authors
Parna Sen
Abstract
Intermittent fasting
(IF) has emerged as a promising dietary strategy for improving metabolic health
and preventing chronic diseases. Unlike traditional calorie restriction, IF
focuses on cycling between periods of eating and fasting, thereby inducing adaptive
metabolic responses. Growing evidence suggests that IF acts as a metabolic
reprogramming strategy by modulating nutrient-sensing pathways, mitochondrial
function, circadian biology, inflammation, oxidative stress, and autophagy.
Various IF regimens, including alternate-day fasting, time-restricted feeding,
and periodic fasting, have demonstrated beneficial effects on obesity, insulin
resistance, cardiovascular disease, neurodegenerative disorders, and cancer. At
the molecular level, IF influences key signaling pathways such as AMP-activated
protein kinase (AMPK), mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), sirtuins,
insulin/IGF-1 signaling, and ketogenesis. These mechanisms collectively improve
metabolic flexibility and cellular resilience. Clinical studies have shown that
IF can reduce body weight, improve glycemic control, enhance lipid metabolism,
and promote longevity-associated pathways. However, concerns remain regarding
adherence, safety in vulnerable populations, and long-term sustainability. This
review summarizes the emerging molecular mechanisms underlying IF-induced
metabolic reprogramming and discusses current clinical evidence, therapeutic
applications, limitations, and future research directions.
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Pages:33-38
How to cite this article:
Parna Sen "Intermittent fasting as a metabolic reprogramming strategy: Emerging molecular mechanisms and clinical perspectives". World Journal of Current Research, Vol 2, Issue 1, 2026, Pages 33-38
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