The circadian clock regulates metabolic responses to physical exercise

ABSTRACT

It has been proposed for years that physical exercise ameliorates metabolic diseases. Optimal exercise timing in humans and mammals has indicated that circadian clocks play a vital role in exercise and body metabolism. Skeletal muscle metabolism exhibits a robust circadian rhythm under the control of the suprachiasmatic nucleus of the hypothalamus. Clock genes also control the development, differentiation, and function of skeletal muscles. In this review, we aimed to clarify the relationship between exercise, skeletal muscles, and the circadian clock. Health benefits can be attained by the scheduling of exercise at the best circadian time. Exercise therapy for metabolic diseases and cardiovascular health is a key adjuvant method. This review highlights the importance of exercise timing in maintaining healthy metabolism and circadian clocks.

KEYWORDS:

• Circadian clock
• skeletal muscle metabolism
• physical exercise
• metabolic syndrome
• aging

Disclosure statement

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

Author contributions

Qianyun Cheng designed and wrote the manuscript. Chao Lu designed and wrote the manuscript. Ruizhe Qian wrote and revised the manuscript.

Correction Statement

This article has been republished with minor changes. These changes do not impact the academic content of the article.

Additional information

Funding

This work was financially supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC): No. 81870600, No.31871189 and No.81570771.