Time-restricted feeding attenuates hepatic inflammation and enhances muscular endurance of biliary cirrhotic rats

Aims: Time-restricted feeding (TRF) influences the metabolism of various nutrients. However, the impact of TRF on liver cirrhosis, sarcopenia and hepatic encephalopathy remains unknown. Herein, we evaluate the effects of TRF on common bile duct ligation (BDL)-induced cirrhotic rats. Materials and methods: A 14-day TRF treatment was conducted from the 15th to 28th day post BDL operation. Then the body weight, muscular change, hemodynamics, biochemistry data, hepatic and muscular histology and protein expressions of various molecules were examined in BDL rats. On the other hand, the effects of TRF treatment on the portal-systemic collaterals, motor activities, and muscular strength and endurance were measured. Key findings: TRF treatment significantly decreased body weight without adverse effects in BDL rats. Meanwhile, TRF treatment reduced cardiac index and portal venous flow, attenuated hepatic inflammation and decreased insulin resistance, reduced oxidized low-density lipoprotein and decreased intrahepatic fat accumulation. The circumference of gastrocnemius muscle did not change despite a significant body weight reduction after TRF. Furthermore, rats' endurance of exercise enhanced after TRF. A 14-day TRF treatment neither ameliorated liver fibrosis nor improved motor activities of BDL rats. In addition, the severity of portal-systemic shunts was not influenced by TRF. Significance: In BDL-induced cirrhotic rats, a 14-day TRF treatment alters hemodynamics, attenuates hepatic inflammation and improves metabolic derangement. Additionally, TRF treatment increases muscular endurance without influencing the circumference of gastrocnemius muscle. However, TRF treatment does not affect liver fibrosis and hepatic encephalopathy.