The Role of Circadian Rhythm in Neurological Diseases: A Translational Perspective

Abstract

Intrinsic biological clocks drive the circadian rhythm, which coordinates the physiological and pathophysiological processes in the body. Recently, a bidirectional relationship between circadian rhythms and several neurological diseases has been reported. Neurological diseases can lead to the disruption of circadian homeostasis, thereby increasing disease severity. Therefore, optimizing the current treatments through circadian-based approaches, including adjusted dosing, changing lifestyle, and targeted interventions, offer a promising opportunity for better clinical outcomes and precision medicine. In this review, we provide detailed implications of the circadian rhythm in neurological diseases through bench-to-bedside approaches. Furthermore, based on the unsatisfactory clinical outcomes, we critically discuss the potential of circadian-based interventions, which may encourage more studies in this discipline, with the hope of improving treatment efficacy in neurological diseases.

Biological clock regulation by the PER gene family: a new perspective on tumor development

“…Thus, circadian rhythm denotes an organism’s inherent rhythm-regulating system. In humans and other mammals, this 24-h rhythm is orchestrated by the circadian clock ( Huang et al, 2023 ). The suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) of the hypothalamus, acting as the central clock, utilizes neuroendocrine pathways to coordinate peripheral clocks throughout the body ( Starnes and Jones, 2023 ; Zhang-Sun et al, 2023 ).…”