Early time‐restricted feeding improves high‐density lipoprotein amount and function in nonhuman primates, without effects on body composition

Abstract Objective Time‐restricted feeding (TRF), whereby caloric intake is limited to a <12‐hour window, is a potential regimen to ameliorate metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk co‐occurring with aging and with obesity. Early TRF (eTRF; early morning feeding followed by overnight fasting) times calorie consumption with hepatic circadian gene expression rhythms. Brief TRF trials demonstrate that high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol increases similar to diet/exercise interventions, which may impart beneficial CVD effects. Using a nonhuman primate (NHP) model, the efficacy of eTRF to raise HDL and increase plasma cholesterol efflux capacity (CEC) (primarily mediated by cholesterol efflux to HDL particles, a process that is inversely associated with CVD risk) was examined. Methods Adult (8–16 years old, n = 25) and geriatric (≥17 years old) NHPs were randomized to ad libitum feeding or eTRF for 12 months, and relevant body composition, glycemic control, and plasma HDL cholesterol levels and CEC were measured. Results Impaired CEC was found in geriatric NHPs. eTRF induced larger‐sized HDL particles, increased HDL apolipoprotein A‐1 content, lowered triglyceride concentrations, and increased plasma CEC (primarily to HDL particles) in both adult and geriatric NHPs without changes in glycemic control or body composition. Conclusions A beneficial effect of eTRF on increasing HDL CEC in NHPs was demonstrated.