Intermittent fasting in 10 mouse strains: sex and genes shape lifespan effects
In an abstract, intermittent fasting two days per week changed metabolic, blood and immune traits in 10 inbred mouse strains; lifespan effects were sex specific and differed between strains, so response appears genetically determined in this animal model. [1]
Automatic summary · not editorially reviewed
The key findings
The source at a glance
- Study type / format
- Preclinical animal study (abstract)
- Population / context
- Mice: 10 inbred Collaborative Cross strains, plus a comparison with Diversity Outbred mice.
- Summary based on
- Study abstract
- Original publication
- May 1, 2026
Fasting response across 10 inbred mouse strains
The abstract describes a preclinical study in which mice received an intermittent fasting regimen of two days per week. Ten inbred strains from the Collaborative Cross, a genetically diverse and reproducible panel, were used to examine how genetic differences affect responses to the intervention. The authors note that people vary widely in how they respond to dietary interventions such as calorie restriction and periodic fasting, and that this variation is poorly understood.
Supporting source [1]
Sex-specific lifespan effects varied by strain
Using repeated measurements over time, the team recorded hundreds of traits, including lifespan. Sex and genetic background shaped responses to intermittent fasting in metabolic, hematologic (blood-related) and immunologic domains. Lifespan effects were also sex specific and varied among the strains. The abstract states that these results show the fasting response is genetically determined in a mammalian model with physiology relevant to humans.
Supporting source [1]
Comparison with outbred mice and translation limits
The authors compared the Collaborative Cross results with a parallel study in Diversity Outbred mice. They identified shared predictors of health and lifespan as well as key differences between inbred and outbred populations. The abstract frames the work as informing efforts to translate fasting benefits to human health and longevity; it does not report human outcomes. Because only the abstract was reviewed, details such as sample sizes per strain, follow-up duration and effect sizes are not available here.
Supporting source [1]
How to interpret this
Abstract only; the full text was not reviewed. This is a preclinical mouse study, so the findings do not establish human health or lifespan benefits. Details on sample sizes per strain, follow-up and effect sizes are not reported in the abstract.
Based on the study abstract; the full paper, tables and supplementary data were not reviewed.
Source & supporting passages
Luciano A, Robinson L, Schott WH, West AP, Korstanje R, Churchill GA. · europepmc.org · May 1, 2026