Khaberni - Recent studies have shown that disruption of the biological clock increases the risk of aggressive breast cancer and weakens the body's ability to fight tumors.
The effect of circadian disruption on the body
The biological clock regulates the body's daily rhythms, including sleep, hormone secretion, tissue repair, and immune system monitoring. When this system is disrupted due to night work, frequent travel across different time zones, or irregular sleep schedules, the body's natural defenses are weakened, creating an environment conducive to cancer growth and spread.
The study and its observations
A team from the College of Arts and Sciences at Texas A&M University, led by Dr. Tapasree Roy Sarkar, revealed the biological mechanisms that link sleep disruption and cancer growth.
The researchers conducted an experiment on two groups of genetically modified animal models prone to aggressive breast cancer:
The first group lived according to a natural light cycle.
The second group was exposed to a disrupted light cycle causing disruption of the biological clock.
Signs of cancer appeared earlier in the disturbed group at week 18, compared to week 22 for the normal group. The tumors were also more aggressive and more likely to spread to the lungs, while disruptions in the biological clock weakened the immune system, aiding the survival and growth of cancer cells.
Discovery of a new immune key
The researchers focused on a protein called LILRB4, known for inhibiting the immune response. Under normal conditions, this protein protects tissues from excessive inflammation, but it becomes risky when overactivated in cancer, acting as a "stop switch" for the immune system.
When the researchers targeted LILRB4, they noticed a reduction in tumor growth and spread even under circadian disruption, opening avenues for targeted therapies for aggressive breast cancers.
The study shows that circadian disruption not only increases the risk of cancer but also contributes to its progression. Future research aims to study how to reverse the effects of circadian disruption in humans, especially those working night shifts and frequent travelers, to improve public health and reduce the risk of cancer.
The study was published in the journal Oncogene.
