Effects of 72 Hours Sleep Deprivation on Liver Circadian Clock Gene Expression and Oxidative Stress in Rats

Tang Li,Ruina Cao,Zhongyuan Xia,Rui Xia

doi:10.4236/ym.2017.14020

Tang Li, Ruina Cao + Show 2 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.4236/ym.2017.14020

Copy DOI

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the effects of 72 hours continuous sleep deprivation (SD) on circadian clock gene expression and oxidative stress in the rat liver. Methods: Twenty healthy male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into 2 groups (n = 10 each) using a random number table: normal control group (group C), sleep deprivation group (group SD). Group SD was treated with a modified multiple platform water environment method. After 72 hours sleep deprived, the levels of AST (Aspartate transaminase ) and ALT (Alanine aminotransferase) in serum were determined. The contents of malondialdehyde (MDA), the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) in the liver tissue of the rats were examined in both two groups. The expression levels of CLOCK, BMAL1 and CRY1 protein in liver tissue were examined by Western blotting. Results: Compared with group C, the content of MDA, and the levels of AST and ALT in serum were significantly increased (P < 0.05); SOD activity was significantly decreased (P < 0.05); GSH-Px activity was significantly decreased (P < 0.01); and the expression of CLOCK, BMAL1 and CRY1 protein was downregulated in group SD. Conclusion: 72 hours continuous sleep deprivation can downregulate the expression of circadian clock gene and promote oxidative stress in rats.

Highlights

Circadian rhythms refer to physiological processes that occur with a repeating period of approximately 24 hours, which are ubiquitously present in prokaryotes, fungi, algae, plants and mammals [5]
The clock gene in the body is critical for maintenance of homeostasis as well as adaptation to changing environmental conditions
Circadian rhythms evolve in almost all living liver organisms, which provide a relatively new perspective on hepatic function and metabolism, with respect to sleep disorders and metabolic syndrome, leading to obesity, diabetes and dyslipidemia

Summary

Introduction

Sleep disorders increase the incidence of accidents in work, and cause great harm to human health. Sleep deprivation affects many physiological functions, including organ hormone secretion, cognitive ability, memory and immune function. A considerable body of clinical evidence suggests that sleep deprivation has a close relationship with the expression of circadian clock genes and oxidative stress [1]. Circadian rhythm is an important physiological process to maintain the homeostasis of organism. The CLOCK/BMAL complex activates the expression of PER and CRY. Recent biochemical and physiological studies have confirmed that sleep deprivation as a strong stressor for the body, increase the level of oxidative stress of the brain, resulting in cognitive dysfunction and memory loss [2]

Methods

Results

Conclusion