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Circadian Entrainment of Drosophila Melanogaster
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The trouble with circadian clock dysfunction: multiple deleterious effects on the brain and body
Erin L Zelinski1, Scott H Deibel1, Robert J McDonald1
1Canadian Centre for Behavioural Neuroscience, Department of Neuroscience, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB, Canada.
Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews
|January 29, 2014
Summary
Circadian rhythms, the body's internal clock, impact nearly every aspect of life. Disruption of these rhythms is linked to various health issues in humans and animals.
Area of Science:
- Chronobiology
- Neuroscience
- Physiology
Background:
- Circadian rhythms govern physiological processes.
- Disruption of circadian rhythms is increasingly linked to health problems.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the influence of circadian rhythms on life.
- To explore pathways of rhythm generation and their interactions.
- To discuss health consequences of circadian disruption.
Main Methods:
- Consolidation of human correlational and experimental studies.
- Inclusion of experimental data from animal models.
- Examination of morphological and biochemical pathways.
Main Results:
- Circadian rhythms affect numerous biological functions.
- Interactions exist between circadian systems and stress, feeding, and reproduction.
- Circadian disruption is associated with cognitive deficits, mood disorders, obesity, and cancer.
Conclusions:
- Circadian rhythms are fundamental to health.
- Understanding circadian mechanisms is crucial for preventing and treating diseases.
- Animal models provide valuable experimental support for human health studies.
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