An Unexpected Factor Behind Brain Problems in Adolescents Revealed 0 12

Working night shifts and chronic sleep disruption may not only increase the risk of breast cancer but also make tumors more aggressive and prone to metastasis. This conclusion was reached by researchers from Texas A&M University, who published their findings in the journal Oncogene.

In experiments, the researchers demonstrated that a disruption of circadian rhythms—internal biological "clocks" of the body—accelerates tumor formation and enhances their malignant properties. In models with disrupted light cycles, cancer developed earlier than usual and more frequently spread to the lungs, which is considered a sign of poor prognosis. At the same time, the immune system's function was suppressed, creating conditions in which tumor cells survive and spread more easily.

In addition to affecting the tumors themselves, circadian disruptions altered the structure of healthy breast tissue, making it more vulnerable to malignant transformations. The authors discovered that a key role in this process is played by the immune receptor LILRB4—a kind of "switch" for the immune response, which, when biological rhythms are disrupted, begins to excessively suppress the body's protective reactions.

Blocking this receptor allowed for a partial restoration of anti-tumor immunity even under conditions of disrupted biorhythms, indicating a potentially new approach to the therapy of aggressive forms of breast cancer. The authors emphasize that the results are particularly important for people who regularly work at night or live under conditions of chronic jet lag, confirming that sleep disruption is not just a factor of discomfort but a serious threat to health.