How shifting light schedules affect daily patterns of key genes in the heart and liver of rats

Clock gene expression in the heart and liver of shifted rats was rhythmic and phase delayed by 8-9 hours compared to control.

• Frequent shifts of the light:dark cycle may disrupt circadian rhythms and metabolic functions.
• The nuclear receptor PPARα appears to link circadian clocks with metabolism.
• Key clock genes rev-erbα, pparα, and pdk4 were analyzed in the liver and heart.
• Metabolic gene expression was more affected in the liver than in the heart.
• The study suggests that shifting light cycles could impair lipid metabolism regulation.

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