Dr. Vivian Lipari, a researcher at the Universidad Europea del Atlántico (European University of the Atlantic, UNEATLANTICO), is participating in a study that analyzes how the synchronization of eating patterns with circadian rhythms can influence metabolic, cellular and inflammatory processes that are related to the prevention or development of cancer.
Circadian rhythms, biological clocks that synchronize physiological and behavioral processes with the 24-hour light and dark cycle, are essential for preserving human health and balancing the body’s systems. This system, led by the suprachiasmatic nucleus in the hypothalamus, coordinates peripheral clocks in organs such as the liver and adipose tissue. The functions of circadian rhythms include the regulation of sleep and wake cycles, metabolism, immune responses and cellular repair mechanisms. This synchronization allows organisms to anticipate changes in the environment and optimize physiological processes.
The alteration of these rhythms, known as circadian misalignment, caused by factors such as night work, irregular sleep schedules or prolonged exposure to artificial light, has harmful effects on health, contributing to an increased risk of chronic diseases, including cancer. Furthermore, recent studies highlight that diet significantly influences the quality of sleep, being a determining factor both for its regulation and for the appearance of circadian imbalances.
The relationship between circadian rhythms and cancer has been extensively studied, highlighting that processes such as DNA repair, the cell cycle and apoptosis are under circadian control. Their alteration can cause genetic instability and promote uncontrolled cell growth. Although the exact mechanisms are still being investigated, it is believed that dysfunction of the clock gene, together with metabolic and hormonal alterations (such as chronic inflammation or abnormal melatonin secretion), can influence tumorigenesis.
In this context, chrononutrition, an emerging field, explores how diet and eating patterns interact with circadian rhythms. This approach not only focuses on nutritional content, but also on the timing, frequency and regularity of meals, highlighting that the timing of food intake is as important as what is consumed. Feasting and fasting cycles regulate peripheral clocks, and their disruption, such as eating late, can deregulate metabolism and increase the risk of cancer.
The systematic review revealed that the mechanisms linking chrononutrition and cancer are diverse. At the cellular level, clock genes (such as CLOCK, BMAL1, PER and CRY) are responsible for regulating circadian rhythms, which are biological cycles that follow a 24-hour pattern. These genes affect important processes in cells, such as the cell cycle (how cells grow and divide) and programmed cell death, a natural mechanism that eliminates damaged or unnecessary cells. When these processes get out of control, they can contribute to the development of cancer. In addition, chrononutrition influences the gut microbiota (the microorganisms that live in the gut), which also follows a circadian rhythm. Feeding times affect the composition and function of the microbiota, modulating metabolic and inflammatory processes. For example, a diet aligned with circadian rhythms, that is, one that respects the body’s natural schedules, can help reduce chronic inflammation, which is a known risk factor for the development of cancer.
Although evidence on the relationship between chrononutrition and cancer is still limited, current findings underscore its potential as a preventive tool. Interventions that align eating patterns with circadian rhythms could mitigate the adverse effects of circadian misalignment, optimizing metabolic and cellular processes that protect against cancer.
The study proposes that future research focus on integrating chrononutrition with personalized strategies for cancer prevention and treatment. This includes determining the optimal times to eat, the frequency of meals and their composition, as well as exploring how these interventions can be adapted to different chronotypes and lifestyles.
If you want to know more about this study, click here.
To read more research, consult the repository of UNEATLANTICO.
Universidad Europea del Atlántico (European University of the Atlantic, UNEATLANTICO)offers scholarships for the Degree in Human Nutrition and Dietetics (NHD), the Degree in Food Science and Technology (CTA) and the Degree in Agricultural and Food Industry Engineering (IIAA). If you are looking to excel in the food sector and contribute to the future of nutrition and food, these degrees are your path to professional success.