EFFECT OF KETOGENIC DIET ON LEPTIN LEVEL IN A DEPRESSED RAT MODEL
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.69656/pjp.v22i1.1924Keywords:
Depression, Forced swim test, Intra-cardiac puncture, Ketogenic diet, Ketosis, Leptin, Preference test, Sucrose re-strainerAbstract
Background: Depression is multidimensional disorder involving neuroendocrine disturbances. Several hormones are affected in depression, including gut related hormones such as leptin. Decreased leptin levels have been associated with worsening depressive symptoms and altered satiety. This study aimed to evaluate effect of ketogenic diet on leptin levels in rat model and its impact on depressive behaviour. Methods: This study included male Sprague Dawley rats (n=39) randomly divided into three equal groups (n=13/group) and housed at Khyber Medical University. Depression was induced using chronic restraint stress model by restraining rats for two hours daily for 21 days. Depression was confirmed using Forced Swim Test and Sucrose Preference Test. Group A served as depressed control group and was sacrificed after confirmation of depression. Group B received normal diet for four weeks, while Group C was administered ketogenic diet for four weeks. Ketosis was confirmed before sacrifice. Blood samples were collected through intra-cardiac puncture, centrifuged, and stored at ?80 °C. Serum leptin levels were measured using ELISA. Behavioural tests were repeated to assess effect of dietary intervention. Results: Mean leptin levels were 0.92±0.47 in depressed control group and increased to 1.32±0.33 in ketogenic dietgroup (p=0.019). Forced Swim Test mobility significantly increased (p=0.001), while Sucrose Preference Test scores significantly improved (p=0.026) in ketogenic diet-treated depressed group. Conclusion: A four week ketogenic diet increased leptin levels and improved depressive behaviour in depressed rats.
Pak J Physiol 2026:22(1):37–41, DOI: https://doi.org/10.69656/pjp.v22i1.1924
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Copyright (c) 2026 Amber Farid, Muhammad Omar Malik, Syed Murtaza Shah Bukhari, Saadia Anwar, Muhammad Irfan Shereen, Abdu Haseeb, Awais ul Islam, Saif ul Islam, Muhammad Mustafa, Muhammad Mobashar
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