In a study published in the journal Frontiers in Immunology , researchers at the University of Arizona Health Sciences Center for Sleep, Circadian and Neuroscience research have explored the effects of circadian rhythm disruption on the lungs. They have found that nearly every cell in the body is keeping track of time. "We have a master clock in the middle of the brain, but we also have gene clocks in just about every cell in the body," said Sairam Parthasarathy, MD, director of the University of Arizona Health Sciences' Center for Sleep, Circadian and Neuroscience Research.
"Each type of cell has its own rhythm. This goes for liver cells , brain cells , white blood cells, and on and on. We are starting to better understand the molecular machinery behind all this, which is exciting.
" The rhythm Parthasarathy is referring to is the circadian rhythm, the physical, mental and behavioral changes that happen on a natural 24-hour cycle. Circadian rhythm coordinates many biological processes including hormone production, digestion and body temperature. Keeping everything in sync The circadian rhythm helps synchronize the body's organ systems and regulate the immune system.
It is like a symphony orchestra, where all the musicians' individual notes work together to create classical music. If one of them goes off beat, the repercussions can affect the whole group. Several factors influence circadian rhythm, including stress, physical activity and food intake; however, light and dark pl.