Scientists at the University of Pennsylvania have discovered a new possible cause of weight gain. They made an important discovery in the field of circadian rhythms and their influence on metabolism.
Oku.AzAccording to information provided by , scientists have published the results of related research in the prestigious journal “Science”.
According to the information, the experiments were carried out on mice. The study found that misalignment of the brain and liver’s circadian rhythms leads to altered eating behavior and weight gain in mice.
“Circadian rhythms control the body’s biorhythms. However, research has shown that almost all cells in the body, including those in the liver, have their own “internal clock”. Disturbances in its functioning can lead to serious metabolic disorders,” the scientists stated.
Experiments carried out with mice showed that deviations in eating habits were observed in animals with alterations in the circadian rhythm of the liver. They consumed more calories during the rest phase and over a 24-hour period. Interestingly, when the hepatic vagus afferent nerve (HVAN), which connects the brain to the liver, was cut in mice, binge eating stopped.
Scientists emphasize that the synchronization of internal clocks based on lighting and nutrition is of fundamental importance for the normalization of metabolism. For example, disruption of circadian rhythms caused by time zone changes or working at night can lead to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. Furthermore, these dangerous consequences are manifested not only in mice, but also in humans.
