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Circadian Disruption and the Molecular Clock in Atherosclerosis and Hypertension
Hannah M Costello1, Ravindra K Sharma1, Annalisse R McKee2
1Department of Physiology and Aging, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA; Division of Nephrology, Hypertension, and Renal Transplantation, Department of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA; Center for Integrative Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disease, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA.
Insights
Disrupted circadian rhythms negatively impact vascular health, increasing risks for cardiovascular disease and hypertension. Understanding molecular clock mechanisms may lead to new chronotherapeutics for vascular conditions.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Science
- Chronobiology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Circadian rhythms are vital for vascular function.
- Disruptions are linked to cardiovascular disease and hypertension.
- Both central and peripheral circadian clocks influence vascular health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent research on circadian disruption and molecular clock mechanisms in atherosclerosis and hypertension.
- To explore potential chronotherapeutics for vascular diseases.
- To highlight the impact of behavioral rhythms on cardiovascular risk.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of preclinical and clinical studies.
- Focus on molecular circadian clock mechanisms.
- Analysis of behavioral influences on cardiovascular health.
Main Results:
- Circadian disruption is a significant factor in atherosclerosis and hypertension.
- Molecular clock dysregulation plays a key role in vascular disease.
- Behavioral patterns like sleep and activity influence cardiovascular risk.
Conclusions:
- A deeper understanding of circadian rhythms is essential for treating and preventing vascular diseases.
- Chronotherapeutics offer a promising future for hypertension and vascular disease management.
- Targeted interventions based on circadian influences can improve cardiovascular outcomes.
Abstract:
Circadian rhythms are crucial for maintaining vascular function and disruption of these rhythms are associated with negative health outcomes including cardiovascular disease and hypertension. Circadian rhythms are regulated by the central clock within the suprachiasmatic nucleus of the hypothalamus and peripheral clocks located in nearly every cell type in the body, including cells within the heart and vasculature. In this review, we summarize the most recent preclinical and clinical research linking circadian disruption, with a focus on molecular circadian clock mechanisms, in atherosclerosis and hypertension. Furthermore, we provide insight into potential future chronotherapeutics for hypertension and vascular disease. A better understanding of the influence of daily rhythms in behaviour, such as sleep/wake cycles, feeding, and physical activity, as well as the endogenous circadian system on cardiovascular risk will help pave the way for targeted approaches in atherosclerosis and hypertension treatment/prevention.
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