Abstract:
Abstract: Ramadan fasting (RF) is stressor that will be altered immune system. Macrophage is one of immune cell and IFN-gamma, TNF-alpha, iNOS and SOD is important component on the classically activated, oxidative stress and inflammation of macrophage, so the aim of this study was to determine the effect of RF as stressor on level IFN -gamma, TNF-alpha, iNOS and SOD of macrophage. Twenty seven healthy volunteers male aged 18–22 years (mean±SD 20.26±1.13 years) who fasted during Ramadan participated in the study. Blood sampling was conducted on 7 days before Ramadan, days 7 and days 21 of Ramadan. The following were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method: IFN-gamma, TNF-alpha, iNOS and SOD of macrophage. Macrophage IFN-gamma on day 21 was increase significant (p<0.05) compared with days 7. TNF-alpha on days 7 increase significant (p<0.05) compared to before RF and on days 21 was decrease significant (p<0.05) compared with days 7. iNOS on days 7 and 21 increase significant (p<0.05) compared to before RF, and days 21 compared to days 7. SOD on days 7 and days 21 decrease significant (p<0.05) compared to before RF. The others were not significantly difference. The results obtained indicate that RF altered classically activated macrophage regulation / signaling and increase macrophage function, in which RF induces classically activated, inflammation and reduce oxidative stress of macrophage. This study reveals that macrophage was in eustress condition.