The effect of fasting on the functioning of the immune system based on the measurement of plasma granulysin level

Abstract

For downloading the full-text of this article please click here. Background and Objectives: Plasma granulysin levels as a biomarker of the immune system are currently being considered. NK cells are a major source of plasma granulysin. Plasma granulysin levels can reflect the total population of NK cell activity in the body. The effect of Ramadan fasting on the immune system function based on the measurement of plasma granulysin levels have not been studied yet. Materials and Methods: A total of 44 male volunteers with a mean age of 41.15±13.6 years were selected for the study. Blood samples were obtained on the 29th days of fasting and also four month after Ramadan. Plasma Granulysin, triglyceride (TG), cholesterol (Chol), low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL), FBS, Uric acid and CRP were investigated. Results: It was observed that the mean concentrations of serum CRP on the 29th day of Ramadan were significantly lower than those recorded four months after Ramadan. Mean concentrations of serum LDL on the 29th day of Ramadan were significantly higher than those recorded four months after Ramadan. There was no difference between fasting and non-fasting groups in plasma granulysin levels. Conclusion: Fasting caused modulation in the CRP level, but did not affect plasma granulysin levels. Keywords: Ramadan fasting; Granulysin; ImmunomodulationFor downloading the full-text of this article please click here.