Intense Caloric Restriction from Birth Protects the Heart Against Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury and Reduces Reactive Oxygen Species in Ovariectomized Rats.

ABSTRACT: This study investigates the cardioprotective effects of intense caloric restriction (ICR) from birth in ovariectomized rats, a model of estrogen deficiency mimicking menopause. Our findings demonstrate that ICR significantly improved both basal and post-ischemic cardiac function, even in the absence of estrogens. The restricted animals exhibited enhanced cardiac contractility and relaxation, particularly after ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury, with superior functional recovery compared to control groups. Notably, ICR reduced key cardiometabolic risk factors, including blood pressure, heart rate, and adiposity, while improving glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity. Additionally, while mitochondrial biogenesis remained unaffected, ICR preserved mitochondrial integrity by reducing the nu

SUBMITTER: Lopes Cantuaria V 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11851507 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature