A role for circadian clock in metabolic disease.

Many human behaviors and physiological activities show circadian rhythms. Circadian rhythms generated by central and peripheral clocks maintain homeostasis, including the regulation of metabolic processes. Biological rhythmicity is important for metabolic health, but circadian rhythms are affected and impaired by nocturnal activities and irregular food intake in modern society. Disruption of sleep is an established risk factor for diabetes and is known to promote systemic metabolic dysfunction in both humans and rodents. Metabolic stress promotes circadian clock disorders and modulation of clock gene expression has a causal role in the development of metabolic dysfunction. Maintenance of a physiological circadian rhythm is crucial for metabolic health and is an important strategy for combating obesity.