Daily variations of metabolism, physiology and behaviour are controlled by a network of coupled circadian clocks, comprising a master clock in the suprachiasmatic nuclei of the hypothalamus and a multitude of secondary clocks in the brain and peripheral organs. Light cues synchronize the master clock that conveys temporal cues to other body clocks via neuronal and hormonal signals. Feeding at unusual times can reset the phase of most peripheral clocks. While the neuroendocrine aspect of circadian regulation has been underappreciated, this review aims at showing that the role of hormonal rhythms as internal time-givers is the rule rather than the exception. Adrenal glucocorticoids, pineal melatonin and adipocyte-derived leptin participate in internal synchronization (coupling) within the multi-oscillatory network. Furthermore, pancreatic insulin is involved in food synchronization of peripheral clocks, while stomach ghrelin provides temporal signals modulating behavioural anticipation of mealtime. Circadian desynchronization induced by shift work or chronic jet lag has harmful effects on metabolic regulation, thus favouring diabetes and obesity. Circadian deregulation of hormonal rhythms may participate in internal desynchronization and associated increase in metabolic risks. Conversely, adequate timing of endocrine therapies can promote phase-adjustment of the master clock (e.g. via melatonin agonists) and peripheral clocks (e.g. via glucocorticoid agonists). Keywords: circadian rhythm, desynchronization, diabetes, feeding time, ghrelin, glucocorticoid, insulin, leptin, melatonin, metabolic disturbances, obesity
Date submitted 23 April 2015; date of final acceptance 3 June 2015
IntroductionThe circadian system allows metabolic, physiological and behavioural functions to oscillate (i.e. to alternate periods of activity and rest over 24 h), and by organizing a temporal segregation, it avoids the simultaneous occurrence of conflicting behaviours (e.g. feeding and sleeping) or conflicting cellular functions (e.g. glycogenesis and glycolysis), to name a few. The circadian system also allows these functions to anticipate or be in phase with daily predictable events in the environment, such as the daily alternation of light and dark.The circadian system consists of a network of endogenous clocks, coupled by internal signals via the autonomic nervous system and hormonal rhythms, and synchronized by external cues, including light and food. Ambient light detected by the retina, which itself contains a circadian clock, is the most powerful synchronizer of the master clock located in the suprachiasmatic nuclei of the hypothalamus. By contrast, food ingestion modulates the phase of the peripheral clocks, but usually not the oscillations of the suprachiasmatic clock that remain synchronized to light. This review aims at describing the reciprocal links between the circadian system and hormones involved in metabolism. As will be detailed, circadian clocks control the daily rhythms of circulating hormones. In turn, hormonal cues...