JOURNAL TRANSCRIPT

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594527

research-article2015

TAE0010.1177/2042018815594527Therapeutic Advances in Endocrinology and MetabolismSM Bahijri, GM Ajabnoor

Therapeutic Advances in Endocrinology and Metabolism

Effect of Ramadan fasting in Saudi Arabia on serum bone profile and immunoglobulins Suhard M. Bahijri, Ghada M. Ajabnoor, Anwar Borai, Jumana Y. Al-Aama and George P. Chrousos

Abstract:  Background: Each year Muslims fast from dawn to sunset for 1 month (Ramadan). In Saudi Arabia, the sleep–wake cycle during Ramadan is severely disturbed and is associated with abolition of the circadian cortisol rhythm, exposing Saudis to continuously increased cortisol levels, which may influence the immune response. In addition to cortisol, sleep and fasting affect the secretion of parathyroid hormone (PTH) and hence bone metabolism. Methods: Our objective was to investigate the effect of Ramadan type fasting on secretory patterns of PTH, markers of bone metabolism, and serum immunoglobulins. Blood samples from healthy young volunteers were collected at 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. (± 1 hour) before (Shaban) and 2 weeks into Ramadan. Calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, albumin, alkaline phosphatase, 25-OH vitamin D, intact PTH (iPTH), and immunoglobulin (Ig) A, M and G were measured. Results: During Ramadan, evening-adjusted calcium was higher (p = 0.036) and phosphate lower (p < 0.001) than the corresponding morning value. Moreover, the Ramadan mean morning phosphate was higher and the evening level lower was than Shabaan values (p = 0.010 and p