The secretion of liver proteins is closely linked to daily biorhythms.
Scientists from the University of Queensland have concluded that shift work and irregular eating patterns can disrupt the biological rhythms of the liver. This is reported by Nature Metabolism.
According to the researchers, the human body operates on circadian "clocks" that regulate key biological processes. The liver, being the central organ of metabolism, follows its own daily rhythm and releases proteins into the blood in a wave-like manner throughout the day.
The authors of the study found that the secretion of liver proteins is closely linked to daily biorhythms and depends on the timing of meals. Disruption of the usual routine, for example, due to night shifts or irregular eating, leads to failures in this system. At the same time, regular meals help maintain the normal rhythm of liver function, whereas eating small portions almost every hour can nearly completely suppress the circadian fluctuations in protein production.
In the researchers' opinion, further study of the liver's circadian rhythms could influence approaches to the prevention of chronic diseases, as well as the organization of nutrition and labor for people with shift work. One of the co-authors of the study noted that disruptions in biological rhythms are associated with an increased risk of obesity and metabolic disorders; however, the mechanisms of this relationship still need to be studied in detail.
