Environmental Control of Biological Rhythms: Effects on Development, Fertility and Metabolism

Chronodisruption can significantly impair metabolic health and is associated with various dysfunctions in progeny.

• The molecular clock regulates internal timing at the cellular level and is essential for health maintenance.
• Melanopsin in light-sensitive retinal cells plays a key role in aligning the circadian timing system with the light/dark cycle.
• Melatonin, produced exclusively at night, is crucial for regulating glucose, insulin, and energy metabolism.
• Disruption of melatonin production can severely impair metabolic functions.
• Environmental factors like light pollution and shift work can hinder melatonin synthesis and lead to homeostatic issues.
• Chronodisruption during pregnancy can negatively affect the health of offspring, resulting in metabolic, cardiovascular, and cognitive disorders.

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