Lucile Dollet1, Logan A Pendergrast2, Juleen R Zierath1,2,3. 1. Department of Physiology and Pharmacology. 2. Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Section for Integrative Physiology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden. 3. Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The aim of this review is to present the latest findings on the role of the circadian clock in the control of metabolism, and the therapeutic potential of chronotherapy to regulate energy homeostasis in humans. RECENT FINDINGS: We summarized the recent advances related to circadian clock regulation of food intake and energy expenditure. In peripheral organs, mitochondrial oxidative capacity and lipolysis show circadian pattern in humans, and rhythms disruption may be involved in the pathogenesis of metabolic diseases. Indeed, circadian desynchrony affects food intake, insulin sensitivity, and increases the risk of developing metabolic disease. Time-targeted strategies, which aim to synchronize external cues with the molecular clock to improve metabolic outcomes, have positive effects on metabolism in humans, with several studies showing that time-targeted feeding improves body weight loss and glucose tolerance. SUMMARY: The interest in time-targeted strategies to prevent or manage metabolic disturbances has grown this past year with encouraging health benefits. To maximize the therapeutic effect of these strategies, further research is warranted to delineate the molecular regulation of metabolic processes controlled by the clock and especially its modulation in contexts such as aging, sex differences, or metabolic diseases.
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The aim of this review is to present the latest findings on the role of the circadian clock in the control of metabolism, and the therapeutic potential of chronotherapy to regulate energy homeostasis in humans. RECENT FINDINGS: We summarized the recent advances related to circadian clock regulation of food intake and energy expenditure. In peripheral organs, mitochondrial oxidative capacity and lipolysis show circadian pattern in humans, and rhythms disruption may be involved in the pathogenesis of metabolic diseases. Indeed, circadian desynchrony affects food intake, insulin sensitivity, and increases the risk of developing metabolic disease. Time-targeted strategies, which aim to synchronize external cues with the molecular clock to improve metabolic outcomes, have positive effects on metabolism in humans, with several studies showing that time-targeted feeding improves body weight loss and glucose tolerance. SUMMARY: The interest in time-targeted strategies to prevent or manage metabolic disturbances has grown this past year with encouraging health benefits. To maximize the therapeutic effect of these strategies, further research is warranted to delineate the molecular regulation of metabolic processes controlled by the clock and especially its modulation in contexts such as aging, sex differences, or metabolic diseases.