Alterations of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor and Creatinine During Ramadan Fasting: A Prospective, Controlled Clinical Trial

Background: Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is associated with mood-related symptoms. Fasting can improve mood. However, there was a lack of information about BDNF during prolonged fasting in Summertime in Germany. Objectives: This study aimed to determine (1) the effect of Ramadan fasting on BDNF and creatinine during the month of Ramadan in Germany; (2) the correlation of BDNF with body composition parameters and Health-related Quality of Life (HQoL). Methods: This prospective controlled clinical trial was conducted on a total of fifty healthy adult male during Ramadan 2015 in the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine affiliated to Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany. The participants were recruited and divided into two groups, including fasting (FG) and non-fasting groups (NFG). The FG was evaluated at T1: one week before Ramadan, T2: mid of Ramadan, T3: last days of Ramadan, and T4: one week after Ramadan. The NFG was evaluated only at T1 and T3. Results: No significant differences were found between FG and NFG at T1 or T3 with regard to BDNF and creatinine (P > 0.05). In the FG, significant alterations were demonstrated in terms of BDNF. The BDNF was significantly increased at T3 compared with T2 (P < 0.05). No significant change of creatinine was seen in the FG (P > 0.05). Conclusions: It seems BDNF plays a role in the Ramadan fasting. Normal range level of creatinine suggested that long-period Ramadan fasting is safe for the kidney of healthy male subjects.