Daily rhythms in how the body processes fats

Hundreds of lipid species in human plasma are circadian-regulated, influencing metabolism.

• Circadian rhythms in feeding behavior and energy metabolism are regulated by the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN).
• Light and feeding signals entrain behavioral rhythms and affect clock cells in peripheral tissues such as the liver and adipose tissue.
• A molecular clock with core clock genes and proteins regulates gene expression related to lipid biosynthesis and fatty acid oxidation.
• Disruption of clock gene function leads to abnormal metabolic conditions and impaired lipid absorption.
• Meal composition and timing can disrupt normal lipid metabolism, particularly if food is consumed during the usual rest phase.
• Metabolomics and lipidomics studies indicate significant circadian regulation of various lipid species in human plasma.

Simplified