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Published on: September 28, 2017
Circadian rhythms in solid organ transplantation
Brielle H Patlin1, Huram Mok1, Monaj Arra1
1Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri.
Abstract:
Circadian rhythms are daily cycles in physiology that can affect medical interventions. This review considers how these rhythms may relate to solid organ transplantation. It begins by summarizing the mechanism for circadian rhythm generation known as the molecular clock, and basic research connecting the clock to biological activities germane to organ acceptance. Next follows a review of clinical evidence relating time of day to adverse transplantation outcomes. The concluding section discusses knowledge gaps and practical areas where applying circadian biology might improve transplantation success.
Insights
Circadian rhythms, daily biological cycles, impact medical treatments. Understanding the molecular clock and its link to organ acceptance may improve solid organ transplantation outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Physiology
- Chronobiology
- Transplantation Science
Background:
- Circadian rhythms are endogenous daily cycles influencing physiological processes.
- The molecular clock mechanism regulates these rhythms.
- These rhythms can affect the success of medical interventions, including organ transplantation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the relationship between circadian rhythms and solid organ transplantation.
- To explore the molecular clock's role in biological activities relevant to organ acceptance.
- To examine clinical evidence linking time of day to transplantation outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of basic research on the molecular clock.
- Analysis of biological activities related to organ acceptance.
- Review of clinical studies on time-of-day effects in transplantation.
Main Results:
- The molecular clock influences biological functions critical for organ acceptance.
- Clinical data suggest a correlation between the timing of transplantation and adverse outcomes.
- Significant knowledge gaps exist in applying circadian biology to transplantation.
Conclusions:
- Circadian biology is a relevant factor in solid organ transplantation.
- Further research is needed to bridge basic science and clinical application.
- Leveraging circadian rhythms holds potential for improving transplantation success.
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