Just One Night Of Wakefulness May Lead To Alterations In Epigenetic And Transcriptional Profile Of Core Circadian Clock Genes In Key Metabolic Tissues.

In a question and answer session with Endocrine News (7/18, Bagley), Jonathan Cedernaes, PhD, of Uppsala University in Sweden, explains the implications of his study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism. That study suggests that “just one night of wakefulness can lead to alterations in epigenetic and transcriptional profile of core circadian clock genes in key metabolic tissues, which could explain why shift workers are at an increased risk of metabolic morbidities.” Dr. Cedernaes said, “It is important for policy makers to recognize that all of these people are at increased risk of developing numerous diseases, of which some are type 2 diabetes and obesity.” He called for “more careful monitoring...of shift workers’ health.” http://endocrinenews.endocrine.org/4037-2/