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Simulated shift work Schedules disrupts circadian rhythms and behavior in mice
Jun-Yi Duan1, Xiao-Tong Huang1, Ai-Yu Duan1
1PLA Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China.
Function (Oxford, England)
|July 10, 2026
Summary
Shift work disrupts the body's internal clock, leading to weight gain, hormonal imbalances, and gut microbiome changes. This circadian rhythm disruption causes increased anxiety, depression, and fatigue in mice.
Area of Science:
- Chronobiology
- Metabolic Health
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Shift work is prevalent, causing circadian rhythm disruption.
- Disrupted circadian rhythms are linked to various health issues.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the systemic health consequences of shift work-induced circadian disruption.
- To analyze the impact of altered light-dark cycles on central and peripheral physiology.
Main Methods:
- Mice were exposed to different light-dark cycles (non-24h vs. 24h).
- Evaluated behavioral changes, serum hormone levels, SCN gene expression, and gut microbiome composition.
- Utilized transcriptomic analysis, GO, and KEGG enrichment analyses.
Main Results:
- Non-24h cycles caused body weight gain and loss of core clock gene rhythms in the SCN.
- Circadian rhythms of melatonin and dopamine were abolished.
- Gut microbiota dysbiosis and loss of diurnal oscillations were observed.
- Increased anxiety-like, depression-like behaviors, and fatigue were noted.
Conclusions:
- Circadian disruption from shift work leads to multi-system pathology.
- SCN disruption, hormonal imbalance, and gut dysbiosis are interconnected.
- Findings highlight the health risks of shift work and inform future schedule design.
