The Role of Circadian Rhythm Disruptions in Cardiovascular Disease Progression: A Systems Biology Perspective

Abstract

The circadian rhythms, controlled by endogenous biological clocks, play a central role in the maintenance of cardiovascular homeostasis by controlling processes like blood pressure, heart rate, vascular tone, and metabolic pathways. These rhythms are synchronized with the external environment by cues like light, so that physiological functions are in phase with the day-night cycle. However, the lives of modern man with his/ her adverse sleep schedules, shift duties, and increased exposure to artificial lights have led to wide circadian misalignment that greatly increases the risk of suffering from cardiovascular diseases. This review looks at the mechanisms involved in disruptions of circadian rhythms and CVD, which include autonomic dysregulation, metabolic derangements, increased inflammation, and oxidative stress. Dysregulation of the clock genes BMAL1 and CLOCK in the context of endothelial function and vascular health is also discussed. A systems biology approach to combine genomic, transcriptomic, and proteomic data is proposed as a holistic view of these interactions. Therapeutic strategies include lifestyle interventions like time-restricted feeding, pharmacological approaches like melatonin supplementation, and chronotherapy. These are able to decrease the negative impact caused by circadian disruptions. Instead, this review clearly states the research gaps by showing that multifaceted approaches are needed as well. This is stated because the maintenance of circadian rhythm is required for the prevention and management of CVD. This promising avenue of treatment for cardiovascular diseases, by integrating personalized medicine and biology systems, could simplify outcomes and lighten the burden across the world.