Circadian Rhythm Variations and Nutrition in Children

Abstract

Circadian rhythms are the changes in biological processes that occur on a daily basis. Among these processes are reactions involved in metabolic homeostasis. Circadian rhythms are structured by the central clock in the suprachiasmatic nucleus of the hypothalamus via the control of melatonin expression. Circadian rhythms are also controlled by the peripheral clocks, which are intracellular mechanisms composed of the clock genes, whose expression follows a circadian pattern. Circadian rhythms are impacted by signals from the environment called zeitgebers, or time givers, which include light exposure, feeding schedule and composition, sleeping schedule and pattern, temperature, and physical exercise. When the signals from the environment are synchronized with the internal clocks, metabolism is optimized. The term chronodisruption is used to describe the opposite situation. The latest research has demonstrated that life habits coherent with the internal clocks should be adopted, especially during childhood, to prevent metabolic diseases. Nevertheless, a few studies have investigated this link in children, and key information remains unknown.

Association of the rs17782313, rs17773430 and rs34114122 Polymorphisms of/near MC4R Gene with Obesity-Related Biomarkers in a Spanish Pediatric Cohort

“…The consequence, even in young patients, is the early development of numerous comorbidities associated until recently with ageing, such as cardiovascular diseases, type II diabetes, articular diseases, hepatic steatosis and cancers [1][2][3]. The external factors influencing metabolic regulation have been revolutionized in our modern way of life, causing an increase in obesity cases [4][5][6][7]. It is also clear that these changes affect individuals unequally, and some genes are responsible for this increased tendency to develop obesity in certain individuals [8].…”

Melatonin Levels in Children with Obesity Are Associated with Metabolic Risk and Inflammatory Parameters

“…Melatonin (N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine), the main hormone that regulates circadian rhythms [ 1 , 2 , 3 ], is secreted by the pineal gland in the evening when blue light decreases, in response to a circadian pacemaker situated in the suprachiasmatic nuclei of the hypothalamus, “the master clock”. Melatonin reaches the peripheral circadian oscillators, acting as a chemical mediator that synchronizes the cellular oscillators in the brain with peripheral organs, and aligning them with external time [ 4 ].…”