Disturbances of Hormonal Circadian Rhythms by Light Pollution
Michal Zeman1, Monika Okuliarova1, Valentina Sophia Rumanova1
1Department of Animal Physiology and Ethology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Comenius University, 842 15 Bratislava, Slovakia.
International Journal of Molecular Sciences
|April 28, 2023
Summary
Artificial light at night (ALAN) disrupts circadian rhythms, impacting hormone regulation and daily behaviors. Understanding these effects is crucial for mitigating health risks associated with light pollution.
Area of Science:
- Chronobiology
- Neuroendocrinology
- Environmental Health
Background:
- Circadian rhythms are essential for anticipating environmental changes.
- Artificial light at night (ALAN) disrupts these natural rhythms, posing health risks.
- The precise mechanisms linking ALAN to disease are not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the chronodisruption of neuroendocrine control by dim ALAN.
- To highlight the impact of ALAN on physiological and behavioral rhythms.
- To inform mitigation strategies against light pollution.
Main Methods:
- Review of published data on the effects of low-level ALAN (2-5 lux).
- Analysis of impacts on molecular circadian mechanisms and hormonal signals.
- Examination of associated metabolic and behavioral changes.
Main Results:
- Dim ALAN attenuates circadian rhythm generation in the central oscillator.
- ALAN eliminates rhythmic changes in melatonin, testosterone, and vasopressin.
- Rodent studies show interference with corticosterone rhythms, leading to disturbed metabolic and behavioral patterns.
Conclusions:
- Low levels of ALAN disrupt key neuroendocrine pathways controlling circadian rhythms.
- ALAN-induced chronodisruption affects metabolic and behavioral daily patterns.
- Identifying mediating pathways is essential for developing strategies to minimize ALAN's health impacts.
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