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Circadian rhythms in colonic function
Timothy J Hibberd1, Stewart Ramsay1, Phaedra Spencer-Merris1
1College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia.
Frontiers in Physiology
|September 15, 2023
Summary
Peripheral clocks in the gut regulate colonic functions like motility and absorption. Disruptions to these circadian rhythms are linked to gastrointestinal disorders, with melatonin showing therapeutic potential.
Area of Science:
- Chronobiology
- Gastroenterology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Peripheral clocks, rhythmic gene expression in tissues, are influenced by the central circadian clock.
- The gastrointestinal tract possesses peripheral clocks in its epithelia and myenteric plexus, regulating gut functions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the circadian variations in major colonic functions.
- To explore the entraining mechanisms of these rhythms.
- To discuss the role of circadian disruption in gastrointestinal diseases and melatonin's therapeutic potential.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on circadian rhythms in the colon.
- Analysis of physiological functions including motility, absorption, and hormone secretion.
- Examination of pathophysiological states and melatonin's role.
Main Results:
- Circadian variations significantly impact colonic motility, absorption, hormone secretion, permeability, and pain signaling.
- Disruptions in circadian rhythmicity are implicated in conditions like irritable bowel syndrome and ulcerative colitis.
- The gut expresses significant amounts of melatonin, suggesting therapeutic relevance.
Conclusions:
- Gut circadian rhythms are crucial for normal colonic function.
- Circadian disruption exacerbates gastrointestinal disorders.
- Melatonin may offer therapeutic benefits for colonic diseases linked to circadian disruption.
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