Night shift-induced circadian disruption: links to initiation of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease/non-alcoholic steatohepatitis and risk of hepatic cancer

Nov 11, 2024Hepatoma research

Night shift work disrupts body clock and is linked to early fatty liver disease and liver cancer risk

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Abstract

A positive correlation exists between night shift work and elevated liver enzymes, indicating potential hepatic metabolic dysfunction.

Circadian disruption may adversely affect liver metabolism and homeostasis.
Shift work and artificial light at night could lead to misaligned internal rhythms.
Disruption of circadian rhythms is associated with excessive fat accumulation in the liver.
Extended working hours may worsen the progression of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease toward more severe forms.
Research suggests that circadian disruption could increase the risk of liver cancer related to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

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The circadian system plays a crucial role in regulating metabolic homeostasis at both systemic and tissue levels by synchronizing the central and peripheral clocks with exogenous time cues, known as zeitgebers (such as the light/dark cycle). Our body's behavioral rhythms, including sleep-wake cycles and feeding-fasting patterns, align with these extrinsic time cues. The body cannot effectively rest and repair itself when circadian rhythms are frequently disrupted. In many shift workers, the internal rhythms fail to fully synchronize with the end and start times of their shifts. Additionally, exposure to artificial light at night (LAN), irregular eating patterns, and sleep deprivation contribute to circadian disruption and misalignment. Shift work and jet lag disrupt the normal circadian rhythm of liver activity, resulting in a condition known as "circadian disruption". This disturbance adversely affects the metabolism and homeostasis of the liver, contributing to excessive fat accumulation and abnormal liver function. Additionally, extended working hours, such as prolonged night shifts, may worsen the progression of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) toward non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and increase disease severity. Studies have demonstrated a positive correlation between night shift work (NSW) and elevated liver enzymes, indicative of hepatic metabolic dysfunction, potentially increasing the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) related to NAFLD. This review consolidates research findings on circadian disruption caused by NSW, late chronotype, jet lag, and social jet lag, drawing insights from studies involving both humans and animal models that investigate the effects of these factors on circadian rhythms in liver metabolism.

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Night shift-induced circadian disruption: links to initiation of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease/non-alcoholic steatohepatitis and risk of hepatic cancer

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