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Review
. 2009 Dec;10(4):245-60.
doi: 10.1007/s11154-009-9122-8.

Effects of circadian disruption on the cardiometabolic system

Melanie Rüger  1 , Frank A J L Scheer
Affiliations
Review

Effects of circadian disruption on the cardiometabolic system

Melanie Rüger et al. Rev Endocr Metab Disord. 2009 Dec.

Abstract

The presence of day-night variations in cardiovascular and metabolic functioning is well known. However, only recently it has been shown that cardiovascular and metabolic processes are not only affected by the behavioral sleep/wake cycle but are partly under direct control of the master circadian pacemaker located in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN). Heart rate, cardiac autonomic activity, glucose metabolism and leptin-involved in appetite control-all show circadian variation (i.e., under constant behavioral and environmental conditions). This knowledge of behavioral vs. circadian modulation of cardiometabolic function is of clinical relevance given the morning peak in adverse cardiovascular incidents observed in epidemiological studies and given the increased risk for the development of diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular disease in shift workers. We will review the evidence for circadian control of cardiometabolic functioning, as well its sensitivity to light and melatonin, and discuss potential implication for therapy.

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Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Schematic overview of the different types of circadian disruption, their causes and potential short-term and long-term health consequences.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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