Long-term dietary restriction influences plasma ghrelin and GOAT mRNA level in rats

Abstract The objective of this study was to examine the effect of chronic dietary restriction on the physical characteristics of the intestine and gut-derived satiety hormone production. Male Wistar rats (8 weeks) were randomized to ad libitum (AL) or 35% dietary restriction (DR) for 5 months. At the end of the study, physical measurements were made on the intestine and satiety hormone secretion and mRNA expression determined. A comparison group of young, growing AL rats (5 weeks) was also examined. The adult DR rats gained less weight over 5 months and had lower fat mass than adult AL rats ( p