Role of Sirtuins in Diabetes and Age-Related Processes

Abstract

The practice of intermittent fasting continues to grow as a widely practiced diet trend due to its feasibility and reported high success rate. By practicing intermittent fasting, levels of sirtuin proteins (SIRTs), also known as the longevity protein, rise in the body and bring numerous health benefits. Currently, seven SIRTs have been described in humans in different locations of the cell with a wide variety of corresponding functions including gene transcription, DNA repair, and protection against oxidative damage. SIRT activators, such as resveratrol found in red wine, are also commonly consumed to amplify the health benefits associated with protection against diabetes and age-related disease processes. The purpose of this review is to explore the interaction of intermittent fasting on SIRT levels and how the increase in these proteins impacts age-related disease processes. The understanding of SIRTs is continuously evolving as more interactions and SIRT-specific activators are being revealed. New discoveries are crucial for forming potential therapeutics that delay many common diseases and promote healthy living.

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“…Recent evidence suggests that SIRT 1 may be influenced by incretin biology. Like the incretins, SIRT 1 is associated with insulin release and is dysregulated by obesity [12,15]. In addition to dietary and exercise interventions influencing incretin concentrations, caloric restriction and aerobic exercise have both been shown to increase SIRT 1 activity [16,17].…”