In our fast-paced modern world, we often take for granted the intricate dance of our body's internal clocks, known as circadian rhythms. Derived from the Latin phrase "circa diem," meaning "about a day," these rhythms govern our biochemical, physiological, and behavioural processes. Did you know that disruption of this rhythm could be linked to cancer?
At the heart of our circadian system lies the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), a master clock in our anterior hypothalamus. This internal timekeeper orchestrates the daily rhythms of various bodily functions, synchronized with external cues, such as light. Over the years, researchers have unearthed a growing body of evidence suggesting that our circadian genes play a pivotal role in not only maintaining our health but also influencing cancer development and progression. Studies have shown that disruptions in circadian rhythms are associated with various forms of cancer. For eg, breast cancer prognosis have been linked to circadian disruptions, particularly in individuals exposed to prolonged artificial light. In mouse models, disturbed circadian clock gene expression has been correlated with tumour development. The core circadian genes are essential for tissue homeostasis and can impact tumorigenesis. Changes in the expression levels of these genes have been observed in breast, prostate, ovarian, colorectal, endometrial, and pancreatic cancers, among many other cancer types.
So, how can this knowledge be used to our advantage in cancer management?
Chronotherapy considers the body's circadian rhythms and aims to strike a balance between treatment effectiveness and minimizing side effects. Administering anticancer drugs at specific times of day, aligned with the cancer cell's proliferation rhythm, can enhance treatment outcomes while reducing toxicity.
In summary, our circadian rhythms are not just about regulating our sleep-wake cycles; they have a profound impact on our health, including our vulnerability to cancer. Understanding the intricate link between circadian disruptions and cancer opens up new avenues for cancer prevention, control, and treatment. As we delve deeper into this fascinating connection, we may unlock innovative strategies to combat this complex disease.
Phagocitations:
Savvidis C, Koutsilieris M. Circadian rhythm disruption in cancer biology. Mol Med. 2012 Dec 6;18(1):1249-60. doi: 10.2119/molmed.2012.00077. PMID: 22811066; PMCID: PMC3521792.
Comments