Biliary cirrhosis is a chronic liver disease characterized by progressive inflammation, fibrosis, and impaired liver function, often leading to systemic complications such as muscle wasting, fatigue, and reduced physical performance. Recent experimental studies in animal models have highlighted the potential benefits of time-restricted feeding (TRF), a dietary approach in which food intake is limited to specific daily windows without reducing overall calorie consumption.
In cirrhotic rats induced by bile duct ligation, TRF demonstrated remarkable protective effects on both hepatic and muscular health. Hepatic tissues from TRF-treated rats showed reduced inflammatory markers, diminished oxidative stress, and improved liver architecture compared to those on unrestricted feeding schedules. This attenuation of hepatic inflammation suggests that circadian alignment of feeding may modulate metabolic and immune pathways critical in liver disease progression.
Furthermore, TRF improved skeletal muscle endurance in cirrhotic rats. Enhanced exercise capacity was associated with better mitochondrial function, preserved muscle mass, and increased energy efficiency. These findings indicate that TRF not only benefits the liver but also combats sarcopenia, a common complication in cirrhosis.
Overall, time-restricted feeding emerges as a promising non-pharmacological intervention for managing cirrhosis-related complications, potentially improving quality of life and functional outcomes in affected individuals.
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