Caloric restriction, defined as a reduction in
calorie intake below ad libitum, without
malnutrition can have beneficial effects. In this study, we evaluated the impact of
caloric restriction of 30 and 60% on calorimetric
parameters and
oxidative stress in cardiac
tissue in
rats.
Rats were randomly divided into 3 groups (n = 8) G1 = control; G2 =
rats exposed to
dietary restriction of 30%; and G3 =
rats exposed to
dietary restriction of 60%. Energy restriction decreased final
body weight,
oxidation of
carbohydrates and
lipid,
oxygen consumption (VO2),
carbon dioxide production (VCO2),
resting metabolic rate (RMR), but elevated respiratory quotient (RQ). G3
animals also displayed an imbalance in the
oxidant/
antioxidant system, as revealed by the decrease in the
lipid hydroperoxide (LH) level and GSH-Px activity in
heart tissue. In conclusion,
dietary restriction decreased oxidative
metabolism, as seen by the colorimetric profiles and controlled
oxidative stress in cardiac
tissue.