Long-term disruption of daily body clocks changes heart function and blood sugar control in mice

Mice gestated and housed in a mismatched light-dark cycle exhibited worse cardiometabolic health outcomes compared to those in a matching cycle.

• Mice with insulin resistance showed significant elevations in blood glucose levels after glucose and insulin administration.
• Electrophysiological parameters of the cardiac waveform were altered in mice exposed to a mismatched light-dark cycle.
• Cardiomyocyte size increased in mice gestated and housed in an environment that did not align with their natural circadian rhythm.
• These findings suggest that circadian disruption alone may contribute to adverse health effects, independent of other lifestyle factors.

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