New Delhi:
Just three night shifts may be enough to increase the risk of several diseases such as diabetes, obesity and other metabolic disorders, a study has found.
Researchers from Washington State University in the US revealed that night shifts can throw off the body's protein rhythms related to blood glucose regulation.
It also hinders energy metabolism and inflammation, affecting the development of chronic metabolic disorders.
In the study published in the Journal of Proteome Research, the team explained about a “biological master clock in the brain,” which ensures that the body follows day and night rhythms.
When this becomes 'disrupted', it leads to stress that has long-term consequences for health, says Professor Hans Van Dongen.
In addition, Van Dongen notes that just three night shifts are enough to disrupt the rhythm and increase health risks, indicating that early intervention to prevent diabetes and obesity is possible.
Using blood samples, the team identified proteins present in blood-based cells of the immune system, some of which had a rhythm closely linked to the biological clock and showed no change in response to night shifts.
However, most other proteins showed change. Analyzing proteins involved in glucose regulation, the team discovered an almost complete reversal of glucose rhythm in night shift participants.
Furthermore, they found that processes involved in insulin production and sensitivity were out of sync in employees working the night shift.
In addition, previous studies have shown that shift work has an additional negative effect on blood pressure, increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke – increased in night shift workers.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Our staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)