Authors: Aurel PopaWagner AnaMaria Buga Dinu Iuliu Dumitrascu Adriana Uzoni Johannes Thome Andrew N Coogan
Publish Date: 2015/07/15
Volume: 124, Issue: 1, Pages: 89-97
Abstract
Circadian rhythms are recurring patterns in a host of physiological and other parameters that recur with periods of near 24 h These rhythms reflect the temporal organization of an organism’s homeostatic control systems and as such are key processes in ensuring optimal physiological performance Dysfunction of circadian processes is linked with adverse health conditions In this review we highlight the evidence that normal healthy aging is associated with changes in the circadian system we examine the molecular mechanisms through which such changes may arise discuss whether more robust circadian function is a predictor of longevity and highlight the role of circadian rhythms in agerelated diseases Overall the literature shows that aging is associated with marked changes in circadian processes both at the behavioral and molecular levels and the molecular mechanisms through which such changes arise remain to be elucidated but may involve inflammatory process redox homeostasis and epigenetic modifications Understanding the nature of agerelated circadian dysfunction will allow for the design of chronotherapeutic intervention strategies to attenuate circadian dysfunction and thus improve health and quality of life
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