Dietary factors in circadian rhythm modulation and their impact on metabolic diseases: a state of the science review

ABSTRACT

Biological functions of living things are regulated by the circadian rhythm, a 24-hour cycle. Master clock in the hypothalamus is dependent on light-dark signals, while peripheral clock (present in organs) is cell-independent being synchronized with central clock. Mammals’ circadian clocks control various catabolic and anabolic processes in their peripheral tissues. Peripheral organs display tissue-specific differences in the circadian period and phase and exhibit a circadian oscillator. Various diets will affect the peripheral clock in different organ systems. Ketogenic and high-fat diets can alter clock gene expression, while intermittent fasting shows improved circadian rhythm desynchronization. High-sugar diets can cause circadian rhythm-dependent gene amplification involved in hepatic carbohydrate and fat metabolism, leading to dyslipidemia and disturbed metabolism. High-salt diets can increase peripheral clock gene expression. Different diets can affect the peripheral clock rhythm, causing phase shifts, leading to the desynchronization of the central and peripheral clocks subsequently leading to various metabolic diseases.

KEYWORDS:

• Circadian rhythm
• peripheral clock
• ketogenic diet
• high-fat
• intermittent fasting
• metabolic disorders

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Author contributions statement

Ms. Malvika Dalvi and Dr. Srujana Medithi collaboratively participated in the conception and design of the review, as well as the analysis and interpretation of the papers included in this review work. Ms. Malvika Dalvi took the lead in the initial drafting of the manuscript. The critical revision for intellectual content was carried out by both Ms. Malvika Dalvi and Dr. Srujana Medithi. The final version of the manuscript, approved for publication, was reviewed, and finalized by Dr. Srujana Medithi. Both authors actively acknowledge and accept accountability for all aspects of the work presented in this review.