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Sex differences in circadian endocrine rhythms: Clinical implications.
Nicolas C Nicolaides1,2,3, George P Chrousos1,2,3
1Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes, First Department of Pediatrics, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, "Aghia Sophia" Children's Hospital, Athens, Greece.
The European Journal of Neuroscience
|February 4, 2020
Summary
Organisms use a conserved circadian system to regulate daily activities. This review explores the central and peripheral clocks, highlighting how sex influences these biological rhythms and their clinical relevance.
Area of Science:
- Chronobiology
- Physiology
- Genetics
Background:
- Circadian systems regulate daily physiological and behavioral activities.
- The system involves a central clock in the suprachiasmatic nucleus and peripheral clocks in tissues.
- These clocks utilize transcriptional/translational feedback loops and exhibit non-transcriptional rhythms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the historical development of circadian rhythm research.
- To describe the components of the central and peripheral circadian clock systems.
- To discuss sex differences in circadian rhythms and their clinical implications.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of historical milestones in circadian biology.
- Description of the molecular mechanisms of central and peripheral circadian clocks.
- Analysis of studies investigating sexual dimorphism in circadian rhythms.
Main Results:
- Circadian rhythms are essential for adapting to day/night cycles.
- Sex is a significant factor influencing circadian system activity.
- Numerous sex differences exist in circadian rhythm anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology.
Conclusions:
- Understanding circadian systems is crucial for biological and medical sciences.
- Sexual dimorphism significantly impacts circadian rhythms across various biological levels.
- Further research into sex-specific circadian biology holds important clinical implications.
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