Objective: 

To investigate possible effects of calorie restriction on hematologic variables and oxidant/anti-oxidant status in blood and tissues of rats.

Methods: 

Eighteen male Wistar rats were randomized into three groups. First group were fed normal rat chow ad libitum (Control), second group fasted or fed ad libitum on alternate days (FAD-group), while third group received a 30% restricted diet of ad libitum (CRD-group) for 35 days. Body weights and daily food/water intakes were recorded. Anticoagulated blood samples were obtained to determine hematologic variables weekly and total oxidant statue (TOS) and anti-oxidant capacity (TAC) at the end of the study. Brains, livers and kidneys were collected after euthanasia for determination of SOD, GSH, MDA and catalase values.

Results: 

Significant changes in mean body weights and food and water intakes were noted. Mean body weight increased in controls and decreased in both food-restricted groups significantly, partially with time. A significant treatment effect and group-time interactions were found for some hematologic variables (P<0.05). Mean WBC and lymphocyte counts, PLT, Pct, MPV and PDW decreased in both restricted groups compared to controls. In addition, the mean Hb and PCV values were higher in FAD-group compared with others. Mean MCV decreased in CRD-group at day 21. The mean PDW in CRD-group was lower than control group. Compared with controls, TOS decreased whereas TAC increased in both restricted groups. But, this was not statistically confirmed. Dietary interventions affected also the anti-oxidative capacity only in liver and kidneys of rats.

Conclusions: 

Calorie restriction affects blood variables and anti-oxidative capacity in plasma and certain organs in a restriction and organ-dependent manner.