The Meta-SHIFT Study: How Metabolic Shift Shapes Human Immunometabolism - a Fasting Trial
Cornell University
Summary
During fasting, the body shifts from using carbohydrates to relying more on fat as its main source of energy. This process is known as the 'metabolic shift'. Fat tissue helps supply this energy by breaking down stored fat into fatty acids, which are released into the bloodstream and transported to organs throughout the body. In addition to fatty acids, many other substances in the blood (such as metabolites) change during fasting to help maintain normal body function. Immune cells also circulate in the blood and play an important role in protecting the body against infections and diseases such as cancer. However, it is not yet well understood how the metabolic shift during fasting affects immune cell function. The purpose of this study is to investigate how 24 hours of fasting influences immune cell metabolism and function.
Description
Rationale: Fasting leads to changes in metabolism and immune function. However, the specific biological connections between these processes are not fully understood. By studying how fasting affects immune cells, this study aims to clarify the bidirectional relationship between metabolism and immune function. Objectives: The primary objective is to investigate the impact of fasting on immune cells known as peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in healthy adults. The study will examine four main features of these cells: 1. change in basal PBMC energy metabolism; 2. change in activated PBM…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 18–40 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Yes
Inclusion Criteria: * Apparently healthy * Age 18-40y at the time of recruitment * BMI ≥ 18.5 and ≤ 24.9 kg/m2 * Willing to participate in all study activities during the 3-day intervention * Signed informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * Diagnosed with any chronic medical condition that can interfere with the study outcome (e.g., cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes mellitus type 1 or 2, liver disease, pulmonary disease, renal disease, inflammatory bowel disease, thyroid disease, long COVID, PASC) * Bleeding disorder (e.g., Hemophilia A/B, Von Willebrand Disease, or low platelets), curr…
Interventions
- OtherFasting
After consumption of a standardized breakfast (energy content adjusted to individual BMR), participants will undergo a 26-hour fast (water only), followed by consumption of a second standardized breakfast.
Location
- Human Metabolic Research Unit, Division of Nutritional Sciences. Cornell UniversityIthaca, New York