Researchers from the University of Texas examined how disturbance of the circadian rhythm affects the functioning of the immune system. The results are quite disturbing.
The experiment was performed in mice. By controlling lighting and preventing the animals from sleeping at normal hours, the researchers sought to disturb the normal circadian rhythm in mice to an extent similar to that experienced by people working on a night shift.
It turned out that the immune system of mice reacted to the shift in the circadian rhythm, among others excessive multiplication of Th17 lymphocytes.
Th17 cells secrete interleukins (i.e. cytokines that enable the communication of leukocytes with each other), namely: IL-17A, IL-17F, IL-21, IL-22. Under normal conditions, Th17 lymphocytes are therefore involved in the body’s defense against bacterial and fungal infections. However, they are a double-edged weapon – they also play an important role in the development of allergies, asthma and autoimmune diseases – such as rheumatoid arthritis.
Based on: Digital Journal
Text: Tomasz Kobosz