Circadian rhythms, the molecular clock, and skeletal muscle

β-Hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate (HMB) increases muscle mass and diminishes weight gain in high-fat-fed mice

β-Hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate (HMB) is a catabolite of leucine, which promotes muscle growth. However, little is known about the effect of HMB on body composition in the context of a high-fat diet. Our aim was to study the circadian metabolic effect of HMB on body weight. C57BL male mice were fed ad libitum chow diet (C), chow diet supplemented with 500mg Ca-HMB per 1 kg body weight (C+HMB), a high-fat diet (HFD) or HFD supplemented with 500mg Ca-HMB per 1 kg body weight (HFD+HMB) for 7 weeks. HMB led to reduced fat weight (30%, p<0.05) and body weight (7%, p<0.05) and increased muscle weight (17%, p<0.05) in the HFD+HMB group. HMB increased glucose oxidation (27%, p<0.0001) and reduced fatty acid oxidation (30%, p<0.0001) in the C group, but increased fatty acid oxidation in the HFD+HMB group (10%, p<0.05). At the molecular level, HMB did not affect metabolic proteins in the liver, but lowered NF-κB levels in adipose tissue (24%, p<0.05). In the muscle, HMB showed no activation of AKT and mTOR, but did show activation of P70S6K (67%, p<0.01) and S6 (42%, p<0.01). The activation of the P70S6K and S6 was independent of AKT and mTOR and was accompanied by increased activation of phospholipase D2 (PLD) (35%, p<0.0001). In addition, HMB led to altered circadian rhythms. In conclusion, mice fed a HFD supplemented with HMB have increased muscle weight and reduced fat mass and body weight presumably due to increased locomotor activity. HMB induces myogenesis by activating P70S6K and S6 via PLD2.

Melatonin and Exercise Restore Myogenesis and Mitochondrial Dynamics Deficits Associated With Sarcopenia in iMS-Bmal1-/- Mice

Sarcopenia, a condition associated with aging, involves progressive loss of muscle mass, strength, and function, leading to impaired mobility, health, and increased mortality. The underlying mechanisms remain unclear, which limits the development of effective therapeutic interventions. Emerging evidence implicates chronodisruption as a key contributor to sarcopenia, emphasizing the role of Bmal1, a circadian clock gene critical for muscle integrity and mitochondrial function. In a skeletal muscle-specific and inducible Bmal1 knockout model (iMS-Bmal1-/-), we observed hallmark features of sarcopenia, including disrupted rhythms, impaired muscle function, and mitochondrial dysfunction. Exercise and melatonin treatment reversed these deficits independently of Bmal1. Building on these findings, the present study elucidates several mechanisms underlying these changes and the pathways by which melatonin and exercise exert their beneficial effects. Our findings indicate that iMS-Bmal1-/- mice exhibit reduced expression of satellite cell and muscle regulatory factors, indicating impaired muscle regeneration. While mitochondrial respiration remained unchanged, notable alterations in mitochondrial dynamics disrupted mitochondria in skeletal muscle. In addition, these mice showed alterations in muscle energy metabolism, compromised antioxidant defense, and inflammatory response. Remarkably, exercise and/or melatonin successfully mitigated these deficits, restoring muscle health in Bmal1-deficient mice. These findings position exercise and melatonin as promising therapeutic candidates for combating sarcopenia and emphasize the need to elucidate the molecular pathways underlying their protective effects.

Circadian Dysfunction in the Skeletal Muscle Impairs Limb Perfusion and Muscle Regeneration in Peripheral Artery Disease

BACKGROUND

Peripheral artery disease (PAD), caused by atherosclerosis, leads to limb ischemia, muscle damage, and impaired mobility in the lower extremities. Recent studies suggest that circadian rhythm disruptions can hinder vascular repair during ischemia, but the specific tissues involved and the impact on muscle health remain unclear. This study investigates the role of the skeletal muscle circadian clock in muscle adaptation to ischemic stress using a surgical mouse model of hindlimb ischemia.

METHODS

We performed secondary analysis of publicly available RNA-sequencing data sets derived from patients with PAD to identify the differential expression of circadian-related genes in endothelial cells and ischemic limb skeletal muscles. We used mice with specific genetic loss of the circadian clock activator, BMAL1 (brain and muscle ARNT-like 1), in adult skeletal muscle tissues (Bmal1muscle). Bmal1muscle mice and controls underwent femoral artery ligation surgery to induce hindlimb ischemia. Laser Doppler imaging was used to assess limb perfusion at various time points after the surgery. Muscle tissues were analyzed with RNA sequencing and histological examination to investigate PAD-related muscle pathologies. Additionally, we studied the role of BMAL1 in muscle fiber adaptation to hypoxia using RNA and assay for transposase-accessible chromatin with sequencing analyses in primary myotube culture model.

RESULTS

Disrupted expression of circadian rhythm-related genes was observed in existing RNA-sequencing data sets from endothelial cells and ischemic limb skeletal muscles derived from patients with PAD. Genetic loss of Bmal1 specifically in adult mouse skeletal muscle tissues delayed reperfusion recovery following induction of hindlimb ischemia. Histological examination of muscle tissues showed reduced regenerated myofiber number and a decreased proportion of type IIB fast-twitch myofibers in Bmal1muscle mouse muscles in the ischemic limbs but not in their contralateral nonischemic limbs. Transcriptomic analysis revealed abrogated metabolic, angiogenic, and myogenic pathways relevant to hypoxia adaptation in Bmal1muscle mouse muscles. These changes were corroborated in Bmal1-deficient cultured primary myotubes cultured under hypoxic conditions.

CONCLUSIONS

Circadian clock in skeletal muscle is crucial for the muscle's response to hypoxia during hindlimb ischemia. Targeting the muscle circadian clock may have therapeutic potential for enhancing muscle response to reduced blood flow and promoting recovery in conditions such as PAD.

Afternoon kick-off, evening kick-off, or night kick-off in the first German Bundesliga - A possible Injury risk factor?

INTRODUCTION

This retrospective cohort study aimed to evaluate the impact of kick-off time on the risk of injury for professional soccer players in the first German Bundesliga. It was hypothesized that late kick-off times would have a negative effect on muscle and ligament injuries to the ankle and knee.

METHODS

Kick-off times and injury data were collected over 5 consecutive seasons (1530 matches; 2014-2019) from two media-based registries (transfermarkt.de® und kicker.de®). The kick-off times were assorted into three groups: Afternoon kick-off between prior to 3:30 pm (988 matches), evening kick-off between 5:30 to 6:30 pm (303 matches), and night kick-off after 8 pm (239 matches).

RESULTS

A total of 1327 match injuries were recorded over 5 seasons in 510 different male elite soccer players. The injuries affected muscles in 32.1%, ankle ligaments in 7.8%, and knee ligaments in 5.6%. There was no significant difference in injury rates when comparing different kick-off time groups (p > 0.05), however, the mean of time attributed to muscle and ankle ligament injuries suffered in games with a late kick-off time was significantly longer (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

This study shows that there is no significant (p > 0.05) association between three different kick-off time groups and injury risk in the first German Bundesliga. However, significant (p < 0.05) differences in the lay-off times attributed to muscle and ankle ligament injuries differed with different kick-off times assorted into the three groups. Reasons for this observation could be found in the circadian muscle rhythms and muscle fatigue.

Morning physical activity may be more beneficial for blood lipids than afternoon physical activity in older adults: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

The effect of differences in daily physical activity patterns on blood lipids has not been determined. This study examines the effects of the differences in free-living daily physical activity patterns (amount and intensity) on blood lipid levels in older adults.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study included 51 older participants (71.8 ± 0.6 years, men = 8, women = 43). A triaxial accelerometer was used to assess physical activity patterns. The time from awakening to bedtime for each participant was used for group classification based on the amount (number of steps) and intensity (moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, MVPA) of physical activity. The morning step group (M Step) was defined as those who took more steps in the morning, and the afternoon step group (A Step) was defined as those who took more steps in the afternoon. The same method was used for MVPA (morning MVPA: M MVPA; afternoon MVPA: A MVPA). Blood samples were collected at the start of the study to determine blood lipid levels.

RESULTS

Number of steps taken showed a trend toward lower low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels in the M Step group compared with the A Step group. The LDL/high-density lipoprotein (HDL) ratio was significantly lower in the M Step group than the A Step group (p < 0.05). The M MVPA group also had higher HDL-C levels and significantly lower LDL/HDL ratios than the A MVPA group (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that compared with afternoon physical activity, daily morning physical activity (amount and intensity) is more effective in improving blood lipid levels.

Circadian Regulation of Lipid Metabolism during Pregnancy

A cluster of metabolic changes occur to provide energy for fetal growth and development during pregnancy. There is a burgeoning body of research highlighting the pivotal role of circadian rhythms in the pathogenesis of metabolic disorders and lipid homeostasis in mammals. Perturbations of the circadian system and lipid metabolism during gestation might be responsible for a variety of adverse reproductive outcomes comprising miscarriage, gestational diabetes mellitus, and preeclampsia. Growing studies have confirmed that resynchronizing circadian rhythms might alleviate metabolic disturbance. However, there is no clear evidence regarding the specific mechanisms by which the diurnal rhythm regulates lipid metabolism during pregnancy. In this review, we summarize previous knowledge on the strong interaction among the circadian clock, lipid metabolism, and pregnancy. Analyzing the circadian clock genes will improve our understanding of how circadian rhythms are implicated in complex lipid metabolic disorders during pregnancy. Exploring the potential of resynchronizing these circadian rhythms to disrupt abnormal lipid metabolism could also result in a breakthrough in reducing adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Causal Associations Between Sleep Traits and Low Grip Strength: A Bidirectional Mendelian Randomization Study

Background

Sleep disorders and low grip strength often co-occur clinically and are geriatric symptoms that cause significant socioeconomic burden. Previous observational studies have found an association between sleep behaviors and grip strength, but the causal relationship remains unclear.

Purpose

With the Mendelian randomization (MR) approach, the study aimed to determine the causal association between sleep traits (sleep duration, insomnia, daytime napping, sleep-wake disorders, chronotype) and low grip strength.

Methods

The study used genetic variants from the genome-wide association study (GWAS) archived in UK Biobank and FinnGen. We assessed the potential causal relationship between sleep behaviors and grip strength using inverse variance weighting (IVW), weighted median (WM), and MR-Egger. Additionally, we performed sensitivity analyses using Cochran's Q test, MR Egger Intercept test, funnel plots, and leave-one-out method.

Results

We found that sleep duration is causally negatively associated with low grip strength (OR = 0.618, 95% CI = 0.424-0.900, P = 0.012). Sleep-wake disorders have a positive association with low grip strength (OR = 1.018, 95% CI = 1.002-1.034, P = 0.029). Reversely, high low grip strength risk was causally associated with increased daytime napping (OR = 1.018, 95% CI = 1.004-1.032, P = 0.011).

Conclusion

The study revealed causal associations between sleep duration, sleep-wake disorders, and low grip strength. Understanding their relationship helps in early clinical intervention to improve the life quality of the elderly.

Profiling muscle transcriptome in mice exposed to microgravity using gene set enrichment analysis

Space exploration's advancement toward long-duration missions prompts intensified research on physiological effects. Despite adaptive physiological stability in some variables, persistent changes affect genome integrity, immune response, and cognitive function. Our study, utilizing multi-omics data from GeneLab, provides crucial insights investigating muscle atrophy during space mission. Leveraging NASA GeneLab's data resources, we apply systems biology-based analyses, facilitating comprehensive understanding and enabling meta-analysis. Through transcriptomics, we establish a reference profile of biological processes underlying muscle atrophy, crucial for intervention development. We emphasize the often-overlooked role of glycosylation in muscle atrophy. Our research sheds light on fundamental molecular mechanisms, bridging gaps between space research and terrestrial conditions. This study underscores the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and data-sharing initiatives like GeneLab in advancing space medicine research.

Time-of-day effects on ex vivo muscle contractility following short-term satellite cell ablation

Muscle isometric torque fluctuates according to time-of-day with such variation owed to the influence of circadian molecular clock genes. Satellite cells (SCs), the muscle stem cell population, also express molecular clock genes with several contractile-related genes oscillating in a diurnal pattern. Currently, limited evidence exists regarding the relationship between SCs and contractility, although long-term SC ablation alters muscle contractile function. Whether there are acute alterations in contractility following SC ablation and with respect to the time-of-day is unknown. We investigated whether short-term SC ablation affected contractile function at two times of day and whether any such alterations led to different extents of eccentric contraction-induced injury. Using an established mouse model to deplete SCs, we characterized muscle clock gene expression and ex vivo contractility at two times-of-day (morning: 0700 and afternoon: 1500). Morning-SC+ animals demonstrated ∼25%-30% reductions in tetanic/eccentric specific forces and, after eccentric injury, exhibited ∼30% less force-loss and ∼50% less dystrophinnegative fibers versus SC- counterparts; no differences were noted between Afternoon groups (Morning-SC+: -5.63 ± 0.61, Morning-SC-: -7.93 ± 0.61; N/cm2; P < 0.05) (Morning-SC+: 32 ± 2.1, Morning-SC-: 64 ± 10.2; dystrophinnegative fibers; P < 0.05). As Ca++ kinetics underpin force generation, we also evaluated caffeine-induced contracture force as an indirect marker of Ca++ availability and found similar force reductions in Morning-SC+ vs. SC- mice. We conclude that force production is reduced in the presence of SCs in the morning but not in the afternoon, suggesting that SCs may have a time-of-day influence over contractile function.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Muscle isometric torque fluctuates according to time-of-day with such variation owed to molecular clock regulation. Satellite cells (SCs) have recently demonstrated diurnal characteristics related to muscle physiology. In our work, force production was reduced in the presence versus absence of SCs in the morning but, not in the afternoon. Morning-SC+ animals, producing lower force, sustained lesser degrees of injury versus SC- counterparts. One potential mechanism underpinning lower forces produced appears to be lower calcium availability.

The interactive effect of sustained sleep restriction and resistance exercise on skeletal muscle transcriptomics in young females

Both sleep loss and exercise regulate gene expression in skeletal muscle, yet little is known about how the interaction of these stressors affects the transcriptome. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of nine nights of sleep restriction (SR), with repeated resistance exercise (REx) sessions, on the skeletal muscle transcriptome of young, trained females. Ten healthy females aged 18-35 yr old undertook a randomized cross-over study of nine nights of SR (5 h time in bed) and normal sleep (NS; ≥7 h time in bed) with a minimum 6-wk washout. Participants completed four REx sessions per condition (days 3, 5, 7, and 9). Muscle biopsies were collected both pre- and post-REx on days 3 and 9. Gene and protein expression were assessed by RNA sequencing and Western blot, respectively. Three or nine nights of SR had no effect on the muscle transcriptome independently of exercise. However, close to 3,000 transcripts were differentially regulated (false discovery rate < 0.05) 48 h after the completion of three resistance exercise sessions in both NS and SR conditions. Only 39% of downregulated genes and 18% of upregulated genes were common between both conditions, indicating a moderating effect of SR on the response to exercise. SR and REx interacted to alter the enrichment of skeletal muscle transcriptomic pathways in young, resistance-trained females. Performing exercise when sleep restricted may not provide the same adaptive response for individuals as if they were fully rested.NEW & NOTEWORTHY This study investigated the effect of nine nights of sleep restriction, with repeated resistance exercise sessions, on the skeletal muscle transcriptome of young, trained females. Sleep restriction and resistance exercise interacted to alter the enrichment of skeletal muscle transcriptomic pathways in young, resistance-trained females. Performing exercise when sleep restricted may not provide the same adaptive response for individuals as if they were fully rested.

Resveratrol Induces Myotube Development by Altering Circadian Metabolism via the SIRT1-AMPK-PP2A Axis

Resveratrol is a polyphenol known to have metabolic as well as circadian effects. However, there is little information regarding the metabolic and circadian effect of resveratrol on muscle cells. We sought to investigate the metabolic impact of resveratrol throughout the circadian cycle to clarify the associated signaling pathways. C2C12 myotubes were incubated with resveratrol in the presence of increasing concentrations of glucose, and metabolic and clock proteins were measured for 24 h. Resveratrol led to SIRT1, AMPK and PP2A activation. Myotubes treated with increasing glucose concentrations showed higher activation of the mTOR signaling pathway. However, resveratrol did not activate the mTOR signaling pathway, except for P70S6K and S6. In accordance with the reduced mTOR activity, resveratrol led to advanced circadian rhythms and reduced levels of pBMAL1 and CRY1. Resveratrol increased myogenin expression and advanced its rhythms. In conclusion, resveratrol activates the SIRT1-AMPK-PP2A axis, advances circadian rhythms and induces muscle development.

The association between chrononutrition behaviors and muscle health among older adults: The study of muscle, mobility and aging

Emerging studies highlight chrononutrition's impact on body composition through circadian clock entrainment, but its effect on older adults' muscle health remains largely overlooked. To determine the associations between chrononutrition behaviors and muscle health in older adults. Dietary data from 828 older adults (76 ± 5 years) recorded food/beverage amounts and their clock time over the past 24 h. Studied chrononutrition behaviors included: (1) The clock time of the first and last food/beverage intake; (2) Eating window (the time elapsed between the first and last intake); and (3) Eating frequency (Number of self-identified eating events logged with changed meal occasion and clock time). Muscle mass (D3-creatine), leg muscle volume (MRI), grip strength (hand-held dynamometer), and leg power (Keiser) were used as outcomes. We used linear regression to assess the relationships between chrononutrition and muscle health, adjusting for age, sex, race, marital status, education, study site, self-reported health, energy, protein, fiber intake, weight, height, and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity. Average eating window was 11 ± 2 h/day; first and last intake times were at 8:22 and 19:22, respectively. After multivariable adjustment, a longer eating window and a later last intake time were associated with greater muscle mass (β ± SE: 0.18 ± 0.09; 0.27 ± 0.11, respectively, p < 0.05). The longer eating window was also marginally associated with higher leg power (p = 0.058). An earlier intake time was associated with higher grip strength (-0.38 ± 0.15; p = 0.012). Chrononutrition behaviors, including longer eating window, later last intake time, and earlier first intake time were associated with better muscle mass and function in older adults.

Advancements in research on the association between the biological CLOCK and type 2 diabetes

Due to the Earth's rotation, the natural environment exhibits a light-dark diurnal cycle close to 24 hours. To adapt to this energy intake pattern, organisms have developed a 24-hour rhythmic diurnal cycle over long periods, known as the circadian rhythm, or biological clock. With the gradual advancement of research on the biological clock, it has become increasingly evident that disruptions in the circadian rhythm are closely associated with the occurrence of type 2 diabetes (T2D). To further understand the progress of research on T2D and the biological clock, this paper reviews the correlation between the biological clock and glucose metabolism and analyzes its potential mechanisms. Based on this, we discuss the potential factors contributing to circadian rhythm disruption and their impact on the risk of developing T2D, aiming to explore new possible intervention measures for the prevention and treatment of T2D in the future. Under the light-dark circadian rhythm, in order to adapt to this change, the human body forms an internal biological clock involving a variety of genes, proteins and other molecules. The main mechanism is the transcription-translation feedback loop centered on the CLOCK/BMAL1 heterodimer. The expression of important circadian clock genes that constitute this loop can regulate T2DM-related blood glucose traits such as glucose uptake, fat metabolism, insulin secretion/glucagon secretion and sensitivity in various peripheral tissues and organs. In addition, sleep, light, and dietary factors under circadian rhythms also affect the occurrence of T2DM.

The impact of aerobic exercise timing on BMAL1 protein expression and antioxidant responses in skeletal muscle of mice

It is well known that the adaptations of muscular antioxidant system to aerobic exercise depend on the frequency, intensity, duration, type of the exercise. Nonetheless, the timing of aerobic exercise, related to circadian rhythms or biological clock, may also affect the antioxidant defense system, but its impact remains uncertain. Bain and muscle ARNT-like 1 (BMAL1) is the core orchestrator of molecular clock, which can maintain cellular redox homeostasis by directly controlling the transcriptional activity of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2). So, our research objective was to evaluate the impacts of aerobic exercise training at various time points of the day on BMAL1 and NRF2-mediated antioxidant system in skeletal muscle. C57BL/6J mice were assigned to the control group, the group exercising at Zeitgeber Time 12 (ZT12), and the group exercising at ZT24. Control mice were not intervened, while ZT12 and ZT24 mice were trained for four weeks at the early and late time point of their active phase, respectively. We observed that the skeletal muscle of ZT12 mice exhibited higher total antioxidant capacity and lower reactive oxygen species compared to ZT24 mice. Furthermore, ZT12 mice improved the colocalization of BMAL1 with nucleus, the protein expression of BMAL1, NRF2, NAD(P)H quinone oxidoreductase 1, heme oxygenase 1, glutamate-cysteine ligase modifier subunit and glutathione reductase in comparison to those of ZT24 mice. In conclusion, the 4-week aerobic training performed at ZT12 is more effective for enhancing NRF2-mediated antioxidant responses of skeletal muscle, which may be attributed to the specific activation of BMAL1.

Melatonin in energy control: Circadian time-giver and homeostatic monitor

Melatonin is a neurohormone synthesized from dietary tryptophan in various organs, including the pineal gland and the retina. In the pineal gland, melatonin is produced at night under the control of the master clock located in the suprachiasmatic nuclei of the hypothalamus. Under physiological conditions, the pineal gland seems to constitute the unique source of circulating melatonin. Melatonin is involved in cellular metabolism in different ways. First, the circadian rhythm of melatonin helps the maintenance of proper internal timing, the disruption of which has deleterious effects on metabolic health. Second, melatonin modulates lipid metabolism, notably through diminished lipogenesis, and it has an antidiabetic effect, at least in several animal models. Third, pharmacological doses of melatonin have antioxidative, free radical-scavenging, and anti-inflammatory properties in various in vitro cellular models. As a result, melatonin can be considered both a circadian time-giver and a homeostatic monitor of cellular metabolism, via multiple mechanisms of action that are not all fully characterized. Aging, circadian disruption, and artificial light at night are conditions combining increased metabolic risks with diminished circulating levels of melatonin. Accordingly, melatonin supplementation could be of potential therapeutic value in the treatment or prevention of metabolic disorders. More clinical trials in controlled conditions are needed, notably taking greater account of circadian rhythmicity.

Circadian Clock in Muscle Disease Etiology and Therapeutic Potential for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

Circadian clock and clock-controlled output pathways exert temporal control in diverse aspects of skeletal muscle physiology, including the maintenance of muscle mass, structure, function, and metabolism. They have emerged as significant players in understanding muscle disease etiology and potential therapeutic avenues, particularly in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). This review examines the intricate interplay between circadian rhythms and muscle physiology, highlighting how disruptions of circadian regulation may contribute to muscle pathophysiology and the specific mechanisms linking circadian clock dysregulation with DMD. Moreover, we discuss recent advancements in chronobiological research that have shed light on the circadian control of muscle function and its relevance to DMD. Understanding clock output pathways involved in muscle mass and function offers novel insights into the pathogenesis of DMD and unveils promising avenues for therapeutic interventions. We further explore potential chronotherapeutic strategies targeting the circadian clock to ameliorate muscle degeneration which may inform drug development efforts for muscular dystrophy.

β-Hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate (HMB) leads to phospholipase D2 (PLD2) activation and alters circadian rhythms in myotubes

β-Hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate (HMB) is a breakdown product of leucine, which promotes muscle growth. Although some studies indicate that HMB activates AKT and mTOR, others show activation of the downstream effectors, P70S6K and S6, independent of mTOR. Our aim was to study the metabolic effect of HMB around the circadian clock in order to determine more accurately the signaling pathway involved. C2C12 myotubes were treated with HMB and clock, metabolic and myogenic markers were measured around the clock. HMB-treated C2C12 myotubes showed no activation of AKT and mTOR, but did show activation of P70S6K and S6. Activation of P70S6K and S6 was also found when myotubes were treated with HMB combined with metformin, an indirect mTOR inhibitor, or rapamycin, a direct mTOR inhibitor. The activation of the P70S6K and S6 independent of AKT and mTOR, was accompanied by increased activation of phospholipase D2 (PLD). In addition, HMB led to high amplitude and advanced circadian rhythms. In conclusion, HMB induces myogenesis in C2C12 by activating P70S6K and S6 via PLD2, rather than AKT and mTOR, leading to high amplitude advanced rhythms.

Longitudinal association of sleep duration with possible sarcopenia: evidence from CHARLS

OBJECTIVES

There are limited data on the relationship between sleep duration and possible sarcopenia. Hence, this study aimed to investigate the associations of sleep duration with possible sarcopenia and its defining components based on the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS).

DESIGN

A retrospective cohort study.

SETTING

This study was conducted on participants aged over 45 years applying the 2011 baseline and 2015 follow-up survey from CHARLS covering 450 villages, 150 counties and 28 provinces.

PARTICIPANTS

Data from 5036 individuals (2568 men and 2468 women) free of possible sarcopenia at baseline were analysed.

PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES

The dose-response relationship between sleep duration and possible sarcopenia.

RESULTS

During 4 years of follow-up, 964 (19.14%) participants developed possible sarcopenia. Compared with participants who slept 6-8 hours per night, those with shorter sleep duration (<6 hours per night) were independently associated with 22% (OR, 1.22; 95% CI, 1.04 to 1.44) increased risk of developing possible sarcopenia and 27% (OR, 1.27; 95% CI, 1.04 to 1.57) increased risk of developing low handgrip strength after controlling for potential confounders. Long sleep duration (>8 hours per night) was not significantly associated with incident possible sarcopenia. The plots of restricted cubic splines exhibited an atypical inverse J-shaped association between sleep duration and possible sarcopenia. Subgroup analysis showed a stronger association between sleep duration and possible sarcopenia in participants aged 45-59 years and composed of male populations.

CONCLUSIONS

Short sleep duration was a potential risk factor for possible sarcopenia and low handgrip strength. The improvement of sleep duration should be considered a target in early preventive and administrative strategies against the development of handgrip strength decline and further reduced the occurrence of sarcopenia.

Irisin/BDNF signaling in the muscle-brain axis and circadian system: A review

In mammals, the timing of physiological, biochemical and behavioral processes over a 24-h period is controlled by circadian rhythms. To entrain the master clock located in the suprachiasmatic nucleus of the hypothalamus to a precise 24-h rhythm, environmental zeitgebers are used by the circadian system. This is done primarily by signals from the retina via the retinohypothalamic tract, but other cues like exercise, feeding, temperature, anxiety, and social events have also been shown to act as non-photic zeitgebers. The recently identified myokine irisin is proposed to serve as an entraining non-photic signal of exercise. Irisin is a product of cleavage and modification from its precursor membrane fibronectin type Ⅲ domain-containing protein 5 (FNDC5) in response to exercise. Apart from well-known peripheral effects, such as inducing the "browning" of white adipocytes, irisin can penetrate the blood-brain barrier and display the effects on the brain. Experimental data suggest that FNDC5/irisin mediates the positive effects of physical activity on brain functions. In several brain areas, irisin induces the production of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). In the master clock, a significant role in gating photic stimuli in the retinohypothalamic synapse for BDNF is suggested. However, the brain receptor for irisin remains unknown. In the current review, the interactions of physical activity and the irisin/BDNF axis with the circadian system are reconceptualized.

Ketogenic propensity is differentially related to lipid-induced hepatic and peripheral insulin resistance

AIM

Determine the ketogenic response (β-hydroxybutyrate, a surrogate of hepatic ketogenesis) to a controlled lipid overload in humans.

METHODS

In total, nineteen young, healthy adults (age: 28.4 ± 1.7 years; BMI: 22.7 ± 0.3 kg/m2 ) received either a 12 h overnight lipid infusion or saline in a randomized, crossover design. Plasma ketones and inflammatory markers were quantified by colorimetric and multiplex assays. Hepatic and peripheral insulin sensitivity was assessed by the hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp. Skeletal muscle biopsies were obtained to quantify gene expression related to ketone body metabolism and inflammation.

RESULTS

By design, the lipid overload-induced hepatic (50%, p < 0.001) and peripheral insulin resistance (73%, p < 0.01) in healthy adults. Ketones increased with hyperlipidemia and were subsequently reduced with hyperinsulinemia during the clamp procedure (Saline: Basal = 0.22 mM, Insulin = 0.07 mM; Lipid: Basal = 0.78 mM, Insulin = 0.51 mM; 2-way ANOVA: Lipid p < 0.001, Insulin p < 0.001, Interaction p = 0.07). In the saline control condition, ketones did not correlate with hepatic or peripheral insulin sensitivity. Conversely, in the lipid condition, ketones were positively correlated with hepatic insulin sensitivity (r = 0.59, p < 0.01), but inversely related to peripheral insulin sensitivity (r = -0.64, p < 0.01). Hyperlipidemia increased plasma inflammatory markers, but did not impact skeletal muscle inflammatory gene expression. Gene expression related to ketone and fatty acid metabolism in skeletal muscle increased in response to hyperlipidemia.

CONCLUSION

This work provides important insight into the role of ketones in human health and suggests that ketone body metabolism is altered at the onset of lipid-induced insulin resistance.

The association between chrononutrition behaviors and muscle health among older adults: The Study of Muscle, Mobility and Aging (SOMMA)

Background

Emerging studies highlight chrononutrition's impact on body composition through circadian clock entrainment, but its effect on older adults' muscle health remains largely overlooked.

Objective

To determine the associations between chrononutrition behaviors and muscle health in older adults.

Methods

Dietary data from 828 older adults (76±5y) recorded food/beverage amounts and their clock time over the past 24 hours. Studied chrononutrition behaviors included: 1) The clock time of the first and last food/beverage intake; 2) Eating window (the time elapsed between the first and last intake); and 3) Eating frequency (Number of self-identified eating events logged with changed meal occasion and clock time). Muscle mass (D 3 -creatine), leg muscle volume (MRI), grip strength (hand-held dynamometer), and leg power (Keiser) were used as outcomes. We used linear regression to assess the relationships between chrononutrition and muscle health, adjusting for age, sex, race, marital status, education, study site, self-reported health, energy, protein, fiber intake, weight, height, and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity.

Results

Average eating window was 11±2 h/d; first and last intake times were at 8:22 and 19:22, respectively. After multivariable adjustment, a longer eating window and a later last intake time were associated with greater muscle mass (β±SE: 0.18±0.09; 0.27±0.11, respectively, P <0.05). The longer eating window was also marginally associated with higher leg power ( P =0.058). An earlier intake time was associated with higher grip strength (-0.38±0.15; P =0.012).

Conclusions

Chrononutrition behaviors, including longer eating window, later last intake time, and earlier first intake time were associated with better muscle mass and function in older adults.

GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

Key findings

Chrononutrition behaviors, including longer eating window, later last intake time, and earlier first intake time were associated with better muscle mass and function in older adults.

Clock genes regulate skeletal muscle energy metabolism through NAMPT/NAD+/SIRT1 following heavy-load exercise

The biological clock is an invisible "clock" in the organism, which can regulate behavior, physiology, and biochemical reactions. However, the relationship between clock genes and energy metabolism in postexercise skeletal muscle is not well known. The purpose of this study was to determine the mechanisms through which peripheral clock genes regulate energy metabolism in skeletal muscle. We analyzed the rhythm of mRNA expression of the clock genes Bmal1 and Clock in skeletal muscle following heavy-load exercise and measured related indicators of mitochondrial structure and function. We obtained the following experimental results. First, heavy-load exercise induced loss of circadian rhythm of Bmal1 between ZT0 and ZT24, and the circadian rhythm of Clock was not restored between ZT0 and ZT72. Second, analysis of mitochondrial morphology in group E showed abnormal swelling and ridge structure damage at ZT0, which recovered somewhat at ZT24 and ZT48, and the damage had essentially disappeared by ZT72. Third, the expression of NAMPT/NAD+/SIRT1 signaling axis proteins in group E was abnormal at ZT0, the content of NAMPT and the activity of SIRT1 significantly increased, and the content of NAD+ significantly decreased. Fourth, the expression of BMAL1 and PGC-1α in group E significantly increased, whereas the ATP and ADP content, as well as the activities of COXII and COXIV, were significantly changed. Finally, the colocalization of BMAL1 and SIRT1 in group E was significantly upregulated at ZT0. These results suggest that the skeletal muscle clock gene Bmal1 may regulate the energy metabolism level of skeletal muscle after exercise through the NAMPT/NAD+/SIRT1 signaling pathway.

White-throated sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis) liver and pectoralis flight muscle transcriptomic changes in preparation for migration

Migratory songbirds undertake challenging journeys to reach their breeding grounds each spring. They accomplish these nonstop flapping feats of endurance through a suite of physiological changes, including the development of substantial fat stores and flight muscle hypertrophy and an increased capacity for fat catabolism. In addition, migratory birds may show large reductions in organ masses during flight, including the flight muscle and liver, which they must rapidly rebuild during their migratory stopover before replenishing their fat stores. However, the molecular basis of this capacity for rapid tissue remodeling and energetic output has not been thoroughly investigated. We performed RNA-sequencing analysis of the liver and pectoralis flight muscle of captive white-throated sparrows in experimentally photostimulated migratory and nonmigratory condition to explore the mechanisms of seasonal change to metabolism and tissue mass regulation that may facilitate these migratory journeys. Based on transcriptional changes, we propose that tissue-specific adjustments in preparation for migration may alleviate the damaging effects of long-duration activity, including a potential increase to the inflammatory response in the muscle. Furthermore, we hypothesize that seasonal hypertrophy balances satellite cell recruitment and apoptosis, while little evidence appeared in the transcriptome to support myostatin-, insulin-like growth factor 1-, and mammalian target of rapamycin-mediated pathways for muscle growth. These findings can encourage more targeted molecular studies on the unique integration of pathways that we find in the development of the migratory endurance phenotype in songbirds.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Migratory songbirds undergo significant physiological changes to accomplish their impressive migratory journeys. However, we have a limited understanding of the regulatory mechanisms underlying these changes. Here, we explore the transcriptomic changes to the flight muscle and liver of white-throated sparrows as they develop the migratory condition. We use these patterns to develop hypotheses about metabolic flexibility and tissue restructuring in preparation for migration.

Sex differences in the associations of sleep-wake characteristics and rest-activity circadian rhythm with specific obesity types among Hong Kong community-dwelling older adults

BACKGROUND

Sex differences exist in sleep characteristics, circadian rhythm and body composition but the evidence on their associations with obesity risk remains unclear. We aimed to examine sex differences in the associations of sleep-wake cycle and rest-activity circadian rhythm with specific obesity types among aged Chinese population.

METHODS

This report pooled data from 2 population-based surveys conducted during 4/2018-9/2018 and 7/2019-9/2020. All participants wore actigraphy on wrists for 7 days to measure their objective sleep patterns and rest-activity circadian rhythm. We measured participants' anthropometric data, and obtained their body weight, body fat percentage(fat%), visceral fat rating, muscle mass by calibrated bioelectrical impedance analysis device. Hand-grip strength was assessed by Jamar Hydraulic hand dynamometer. Multinomial logistic regression was performed to assess the odds ratio(OR) and 95% confidence intervals(95%CI).

RESULTS

We recruited 206 male and 134 female older adults with complete actigraphy data, with obesity prevalence of 36.9% and 31.3%, respectively. Male participants who had delayed sleep-wake cycle(i.e.,sleep-onset-time and wake-up time) was associated with higher risk of obesity(late sleep-onset-time:OR=5.28, 95%CI=2.00-13.94), and the results remained consistent for different types of obesity. Males with late M10(i.e., most active 10-hours) onset had higher adipose outcomes with an adjusted OR of 2.92(fat%:95%CI=1.10-7.71; visceral fat:95%CI=1.12-7.61). Among female participants, those with lower relative amplitude were associated with higher BMI and lower hand-grip strength.

CONCLUSIONS

This study revealed that circadian rhythm fragmentation was associated with obesity and muscle loss. Promoting good sleep quality and maintaining robust circadian rhythm and physical activity can prevent poor muscle strength among older adults.

Mechanisms of mechanical overload-induced skeletal muscle hypertrophy: current understanding and future directions

Mechanisms underlying mechanical overload-induced skeletal muscle hypertrophy have been extensively researched since the landmark report by Morpurgo (1897) of "work-induced hypertrophy" in dogs that were treadmill trained. Much of the preclinical rodent and human resistance training research to date supports that involved mechanisms include enhanced mammalian/mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) signaling, an expansion in translational capacity through ribosome biogenesis, increased satellite cell abundance and myonuclear accretion, and postexercise elevations in muscle protein synthesis rates. However, several lines of past and emerging evidence suggest that additional mechanisms that feed into or are independent of these processes are also involved. This review first provides a historical account of how mechanistic research into skeletal muscle hypertrophy has progressed. A comprehensive list of mechanisms associated with skeletal muscle hypertrophy is then outlined, and areas of disagreement involving these mechanisms are presented. Finally, future research directions involving many of the discussed mechanisms are proposed.

Effect of changes in sleeping behavior on skeletal muscle and fat mass: a retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

An association between sleep behaviors and muscle-fat mass is continuously interesting topic.

METHODS

Based on the survey on sleep behaviors (quality and duration), the poor quality of sleep was evaluated when the subject did not feel satisfied after sleep, while the good quality was evaluated as they feel refreshed. A total of 19,770 participants were divided into the four groups according to changes in sleep quality: Good-to-Good (those who continuously maintained good quality), Good-to-Poor (those who reported initial good quality but subsequently reported a poor quality), Poor-to-Poor (those who continuously maintained poor quality), and Poor-to-Good (those who reported improved quality of sleep). As changes in skeletal muscle and fat mass index [kg/m2] were estimated by a validated prediction equation, multiple linear regression was used to calculate adjusted mean (adMean) of muscle and fat mass according to changes in sleep behavior.

RESULTS

When sleep duration decreased and quality of sleep deteriorated (from good to poor), fat mass index significantly increased (adMean: 0.087 for the Good-to-Good group and 0.210 for the Good-to-Poor group; p-value = 0.006). On the other hand, as the quality of sleep deteriorated, skeletal muscle mass more decreased despite the maintained sleep duration (adMean: -0.024 for the Good-to-Good group and - 0.049 for the Good-to-Poor group; p-value = 0.009).

CONCLUSION

Our results showed that changes in sleep quality and duration affect changes in muscle and fat mass. Thus, we suggest maintaining a good quality of sleep, even if sleep duration is reduced, to preserve muscle mass and inhibit the accumulation of fat.

Transient changes to metabolic homeostasis initiate mitochondrial adaptation to endurance exercise

Endurance exercise is well established to increase mitochondrial content and function in skeletal muscle, a process termed mitochondrial biogenesis. Current understanding is that exercise initiates skeletal muscle mitochondrial remodeling via modulation of cellular nutrient, energetic and contractile stress pathways. These subtle changes in the cellular milieu are sensed by numerous transduction pathways that serve to initiate and coordinate an increase in mitochondrial gene transcription and translation. The result of these acute signaling events is the promotion of growth and assembly of mitochondria, coupled to a greater capacity for aerobic ATP provision in skeletal muscle. The aim of this review is to highlight the acute metabolic events induced by endurance exercise and the subsequent molecular pathways that sense this transient change in cellular homeostasis to drive mitochondrial adaptation and remodeling.

Aerobic exercise reduced the amount of CHRONO bound to BMAL1 and ameliorated glucose metabolic dysfunction in skeletal muscle of high-fat diet-fed mice

AIMS

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of aerobic exercise on the CHRONO-BMAL1 pathway and glucose metabolism in skeletal muscle of high-fat diet (HFD)-fed mice.

MAIN METHODS

Male C57BL/6J mice were randomly allocated into four groups: normal chow diet with control (NCD + CON), NCD with exercise (NCD + EXE), HFD with control (HFD + CON) and HFD with exercise (HFD + EXE). The NCD and HFD groups were respectively fed a diet of 10 % and 60 % kilocalories from fat for 12 weeks. During the dietary intervention, EXE groups were subjected to 70 % VO_2max intensity of treadmill exercise six times per week for 12 weeks. Body weight, energy intake, fat weight, serum lipid profiles, systemic glucose homeostasis, the amount of CHRONO bound to BMAL1, the enzymatic activity, mRNA and protein expression involved in glucose metabolism of skeletal muscle were measured.

KEY FINDINGS

The results showed that the 12-week HFD feeding without exercise induced weight gain, serum dyslipidemia and insulin resistance. Furthermore, HFD increased the amount of CHRONO bound to BMAL1 and repressed the glucose metabolism in skeletal muscle. However, aerobic exercise prevented weight gain, serum dyslipidemia and systemic insulin resistance in the HFD-fed mice. Meanwhile, aerobic exercise also decreased the amount of CHRONO bound to BMAL1 and increased the glucose uptake, glucose oxidation and glycogenesis in skeletal muscle of the HFD-fed mice.

SIGNIFICANCE

These data suggested that aerobic exercise could counterbalance CHRONO interacted with BMAL1 and prevent glucose metabolism dysfunction of skeletal muscle, and finally maintain whole-body insulin sensitivity in the HFD-fed mice.

Skeletal muscle gene expression dysregulation in long-term spaceflights and aging is clock-dependent

The circadian clock regulates cellular and molecular processes in mammals across all tissues including skeletal muscle, one of the largest organs in the human body. Dysregulated circadian rhythms are characteristic of aging and crewed spaceflight, associated with, for example, musculoskeletal atrophy. Molecular insights into spaceflight-related alterations of circadian regulation in skeletal muscle are still missing. Here, we investigated potential functional consequences of clock disruptions on skeletal muscle using published omics datasets obtained from spaceflights and other clock-altering, external (fasting and exercise), or internal (aging) conditions on Earth. Our analysis identified alterations of the clock network and skeletal muscle-associated pathways, as a result of spaceflight duration in mice, which resembles aging-related gene expression changes observed in humans on Earth (e.g., ATF4 downregulation, associated with muscle atrophy). Furthermore, according to our results, external factors such as exercise or fasting lead to molecular changes in the core-clock network, which may compensate for the circadian disruption observed during spaceflights. Thus, maintaining circadian functioning is crucial to ameliorate unphysiological alterations and musculoskeletal atrophy reported among astronauts.

Histone deacetylase functions and therapeutic implications for adult skeletal muscle metabolism

Skeletal muscle is a highly adaptive organ that sustains continuous metabolic changes in response to different functional demands. Healthy skeletal muscle can adjust fuel utilization to the intensity of muscle activity, the availability of nutrients and the intrinsic characteristics of muscle fibers. This property is defined as metabolic flexibility. Importantly, impaired metabolic flexibility has been associated with, and likely contributes to the onset and progression of numerous pathologies, including sarcopenia and type 2 diabetes. Numerous studies involving genetic and pharmacological manipulations of histone deacetylases (HDACs) in vitro and in vivo have elucidated their multiple functions in regulating adult skeletal muscle metabolism and adaptation. Here, we briefly review HDAC classification and skeletal muscle metabolism in physiological conditions and upon metabolic stimuli. We then discuss HDAC functions in regulating skeletal muscle metabolism at baseline and following exercise. Finally, we give an overview of the literature regarding the activity of HDACs in skeletal muscle aging and their potential as therapeutic targets for the treatment of insulin resistance.

Association between Sleep Duration and Grip Strength in U.S. Older Adults: An NHANES Analysis (2011-2014)

Handgrip strength has been shown an indispensable biomarker for older adults. Furthermore, the association between sleep duration and grip strength in special populations (e.g., type 2 diabetics) has been previously documented. However, the association between sleep duration and grip strength has been less studied in older adults and the dose-response relationship is unclear. Therefore, we drew 1881 participants aged 60 years and older from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2011-2014 to explore their association and the dose-response relationship. Sleep duration was obtained through self-report. Grip strength data were obtained through a grip test using a handgrip dynamometer and divided into two categories: low grip strength and normal grip strength. Thus, dichotomized grip strength was used as a dependent variable. Poisson regression and restricted cubic spline were used for the main part of the analysis. We found that long sleep duration (≥9 h) was associated with a higher prevalence of low grip strength than the normal sleep duration (7-<9 h) group (IRR: 1.38, 95% CI: 1.12-1.69). Moreover, the gender-stratified analysis did not change the original results. This association was particularly pronounced and further strengthened among participants with normal weight (BMI < 25) (IRR: 2.30, 95% CI: 1.64-3.22) and participants aged 60-70 (IRR: 1.76, 95% CI: 1.40-2.22). In addition, with the increase in sleep duration, the multivariate-adjusted IRRs of low grip strength had a general downward trend at first, followed by a brief period of stability, and then presented an upward trend (p-value for non-linearity = 0.001). According to this study, we found that older adults who had long sleep duration had a higher risk of low grip strength. Muscle insulin utilization and muscle glucose metabolism are closely related to grip strength, so our research emphasizes the importance of maintaining normal sleep duration in older adults and suggests that older adults who sleep for a long period should pay more attention to their muscle health.

Multi-Omics Reveal Interplay between Circadian Dysfunction and Type2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes is one of the leading threats to human health in the 21st century. It is a metabolic disorder characterized by a dysregulated glucose metabolism resulting from impaired insulin secretion or insulin resistance. More recently, accumulated epidemiological and animal model studies have confirmed that circadian dysfunction caused by shift work, late meal timing, and sleep loss leads to type 2 diabetes. Circadian rhythms, 24-h endogenous biological oscillations, are a fundamental feature of nearly all organisms and control many physiological and cellular functions. In mammals, light synchronizes brain clocks and feeding is a main stimulus that synchronizes the peripheral clocks in metabolic tissues, such as liver, pancreas, muscles, and adipose tissues. Circadian arrhythmia causes the loss of synchrony of the clocks of these metabolic tissues and leads to an impaired pancreas β-cell metabolism coupled with altered insulin secretion. In addition to these, gut microbes and circadian rhythms are intertwined via metabolic regulation. Omics approaches play a significant role in unraveling how a disrupted circadian metabolism causes type 2 diabetes. In the present review, we emphasize the discoveries of several genes, proteins, and metabolites that contribute to the emergence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D). The implications of these discoveries for comprehending the circadian clock network in T2D may lead to new therapeutic solutions.

Interrelated but Not Time-Aligned Response in Myogenic Regulatory Factors Demethylation and mRNA Expression after Divergent Exercise Bouts

INTRODUCTION

DNA methylation regulates exercise-induced changes in the skeletal muscle transcriptome. However, the specificity and the time course responses in the myogenic regulatory factors DNA methylation and mRNA expression after divergent exercise modes are unknown.

PURPOSE

This study aimed to compare the time course changes in DNA methylation and mRNA expression for selected myogenic regulatory factors ( MYOD1 , MYF5 , and MYF6 ) immediately after, 4 h after, and 8 h after a single bout of resistance exercise (RE), high-intensity interval exercise (HIIE), and concurrent exercise (CE).

METHODS

Nine healthy but untrained males (age, 23.9 ± 2.8 yr; body mass, 70.1 ± 14.9 kg; peak oxygen uptake [V̇O 2peak ], 41.4 ± 5.2 mL·kg -1 ·min -1 ; mean ± SD) performed a counterbalanced, randomized order of RE (4 × 8-12 repetition maximum), HIIE (12 × 1 min sprints at V̇O 2peak running velocity), and CE (RE followed by HIIE). Skeletal muscle biopsies (vastus lateralis) were taken before (REST) immediately (0 h), 4 h, and 8 h after each exercise bout.

RESULTS

Compared with REST, MYOD1 , MYF5 , and MYF6 , mean methylation across all CpGs analyzed was reduced after 4 and 8 h in response to all exercise protocols ( P < 0.05). Reduced levels of MYOD1 methylation were observed after HIIE and CE compared with RE ( P < 0.05). Compared with REST, all exercise bouts increased mRNA expression over time ( MYOD1 at 4 and 8 h, and MYF6 at 4 h; P < 0.05). MYF5 mRNA expression was lower after 4 h compared with 0 h and higher at 8 h compared with 4 h ( P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

We observed an interrelated but not time-aligned response between the exercise-induced changes in myogenic regulatory factors demethylation and mRNA expression after divergent exercise modes. Despite divergent contractile stimuli, changes in DNA methylation and mRNA expression in skeletal muscle were largely confined to the late (4-8 h) recovery period and similar between the different exercise challenges.

The association between sleep parameters and sarcopenia in Japanese community-dwelling older adults

PURPOSE

This study aimed to examine the association between sleep duration and quality and sarcopenia, assessed by factors such as low muscle mass (LMM), low muscle strength (LMS), and low physical performance (LPP) among older community-dwellers in Japan.

METHODS

In this cross-sectional study, a total of 2,069 (men, 902; women, 1,167) participants aged 65 to 80 years were included. Sarcopenia and each low physical function were defined using the definitions of the Asian Working Groups of Sarcopenia 2019. Sleep duration was stratified into three categories: short sleep (<6 h), normal sleep (6-8 h), and long sleep (>8 h). Sleep quality was classified into two groups based on 8-item Athens Insomnia Scale score: insomnia (≥6), and non-insomnia (<6). We analyzed the association between sleep parameters and sarcopenia, including low physical functions, by logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

Compared to normal sleepers, long sleepers had a positive association with sarcopenia (odds ratio [OR] 2.11, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.25-3.58). In particular, long sleep was strongly associated with LMS (OR 1.77, 95%CI 1.07-2.94) and LPP (OR 1.90, 95%CI 1.25-2.88). On the other hand, poor sleep quality was not associated with sarcopenia in long sleepers, but in normal sleepers.

CONCLUSIONS

Long sleep was associated with sarcopenia, including LMS and LPP. However, in long sleepers, insomnia was not associated with sarcopenia or any of its components.

Methods to Monitor Circadian Clock Function in Skeletal Muscle

The circadian clock exerts temporal regulation in physiology and behavior. The skeletal muscle possesses cell-autonomous clock circuits that play key roles in diverse tissue growth, remodeling, and metabolic processes. Recent advances reveal the intrinsic properties, molecular regulations, and physiological functions of the molecular clock oscillators in progenitor and mature myocytes in muscle. While various approaches have been applied to examine clock functions in tissue explants or cell culture systems, defining the tissue-intrinsic circadian clock in muscle requires sensitive real-time monitoring using a Period2 promoter-driven luciferase reporter knock-in mouse model. This chapter describes the gold standard of applying the Per2::Luc reporter line to assess clock properties in skeletal muscle. This technique is suitable for the analysis of clock function in ex vivo muscle preps using intact muscle groups, dissected muscle strips, and cell culture systems using primary myoblasts or myotubes.

Relationship between sarcopenia and sleep status in female patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease

BACKGROUND

Sleep disorders and sarcopenia could contribute to the development of Alzheimer's disease (AD), which are risk factors that rapidly deteriorate cognitive functions. However, few studies have evaluated the relationship between sarcopenia and sleep disorders in female AD patients, who have a higher prevalence than male patients. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between sarcopenia and sleep status in female patients with mild to moderate AD.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study recruited 112 female outpatients aged between 60 and 85 years. Demographic characteristics, appendicular skeletal muscle mass index (ASMI), grip strength, and gait speed were assessed. Sarcopenia was diagnosed according to criteria of the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia. Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) assessed sleep variables. Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) assessed cognitive function. Binary logistic regression models explored the relationship between sleep variables and cognitive function and sarcopenia, adjusting for potential cofounders.

RESULTS

The outpatients were divided into 36 AD patients with sarcopenia (ADSa) and 76 AD patients without sarcopenia (ADNSa), with a prevalence of 32.1%. ADSa had lower ASMI, weaker grip strength, slower gait speed, a higher incidence of poor sleep quality and poorer cognitive function. Multivariate binary logistic regression analysis showed that high total scores of PSQI (odds ratio (OR) = 1.13), poor sleep quality (OR = 2.73), poor subjective sleep quality (OR = 1.83), low MMSE (OR = 0.77) and MoCA (OR = 0.76) scores were associated with high odds of sarcopenia. Compared to sleep time ≤ 15 min, >60 min (OR = 5.01) were associated with sarcopenia. Sleep duration <6 h (OR = 3.99), 8-9 h (OR = 4.48) and ≥9 h (OR = 6.33) were associated with sarcopenia compared to 7-8 h.

CONCLUSIONS

More sleep symptoms and cognitive impairment exist in female patients with sarcopenia. The higher total scores of PSQI, poorer subjective sleep quality, longer sleep latency, excessive and insufficient sleep duration and poorer cognitive function are associated with higher odds of sarcopenia in female patients with mild to moderate AD.

The interrelationship between inflammatory cytokines and skeletal muscle decay from the viewpoint of circadian rhythms

Circadian rhythms affect a variety of physiological processes. Disruption of circadian rhythms causes many diseases, most of which are associated with inflammation. Disruption of circadian rhythms has a detrimental impact on the function of immune system. It is common to find that circulatory LPS are increased. LPS induces immune cells to produce inflammatory cytokines. Inflammatory cytokines play a role in skeletal muscle decay. Rev-erbβ has been identified as a critical regulator of circadian rhythms and a factor in inflammation. Another effect of disruption is a concomitant disturbance of glucose-insulin metabolism, which skeletal muscle likely contributes to considering it is a key metabolic tissue. Disruption of circadian rhythms is also related to obesity. Obesity can cause an increase expression of inflammatory cytokines. Maybe obesity with skeletal muscle decay is one of major characteristics. Future studies are needed to obtain a comprehensive understanding of inflammatory cytokines and skeletal muscle decay from the viewpoint of circadian rhythms.

The circadian E3 ligase FBXL21 regulates myoblast differentiation and sarcomere architecture via MYOZ1 ubiquitination and NFAT signaling

Numerous molecular and physiological processes in the skeletal muscle undergo circadian time-dependent oscillations in accordance with daily activity/rest cycles. The circadian regulatory mechanisms underlying these cyclic processes, especially at the post-transcriptional level, are not well defined. Previously, we reported that the circadian E3 ligase FBXL21 mediates rhythmic degradation of the sarcomere protein TCAP in conjunction with GSK-3β, and Psttm mice harboring an Fbxl21 hypomorph allele show reduced muscle fiber diameter and impaired muscle function. To further elucidate the regulatory function of FBXL21 in skeletal muscle, we investigated another sarcomere protein, Myozenin1 (MYOZ1), that we identified as an FBXL21-binding protein from yeast 2-hybrid screening. We show that FBXL21 binding to MYOZ1 led to ubiquitination-mediated proteasomal degradation. GSK-3β co-expression and inhibition were found to accelerate and decelerate FBXL21-mediated MYOZ1 degradation, respectively. Previously, MYOZ1 has been shown to inhibit calcineurin/NFAT signaling important for muscle differentiation. In accordance, Fbxl21 KO and MyoZ1 KO in C2C12 cells impaired and enhanced myogenic differentiation respectively compared with control C2C12 cells, concomitant with distinct effects on NFAT nuclear localization and NFAT target gene expression. Importantly, in Psttm mice, both the levels and diurnal rhythm of NFAT2 nuclear localization were significantly diminished relative to wild-type mice, and circadian expression of NFAT target genes associated with muscle differentiation was also markedly dampened. Furthermore, Psttm mice exhibited significant disruption of sarcomere structure with a considerable excess of MYOZ1 accumulation in the Z-line. Taken together, our study illustrates a pivotal role of FBXL21 in sarcomere structure and muscle differentiation by regulating MYOZ1 degradation and NFAT2 signaling.

Sleep, circadian biology and skeletal muscle interactions: Implications for metabolic health

There currently exists a modern epidemic of sleep loss, triggered by the changing demands of our 21st century lifestyle that embrace 'round-the-clock' remote working hours, access to energy-dense food, prolonged periods of inactivity, and on-line social activities. Disturbances to sleep patterns impart widespread and adverse effects on numerous cells, tissues, and organs. Insufficient sleep causes circadian misalignment in humans, including perturbed peripheral clocks, leading to disrupted skeletal muscle and liver metabolism, and whole-body energy homeostasis. Fragmented or insufficient sleep also perturbs the hormonal milieu, shifting it towards a catabolic state, resulting in reduced rates of skeletal muscle protein synthesis. The interaction between disrupted sleep and skeletal muscle metabolic health is complex, with the mechanisms underpinning sleep-related disturbances on this tissue often multifaceted. Strategies to promote sufficient sleep duration combined with the appropriate timing of meals and physical activity to maintain circadian rhythmicity are important to mitigate the adverse effects of inadequate sleep on whole-body and skeletal muscle metabolic health. This review summarises the complex relationship between sleep, circadian biology, and skeletal muscle, and discusses the effectiveness of several strategies to mitigate the negative effects of disturbed sleep or circadian rhythms on skeletal muscle health.

Association of sleep duration with sarcopenic obesity in multi-ethnic older adults: findings from the WCHAT Study

OBJECTIVE

Sarcopenic obesity is a prevalent geriatric syndrome, characterized by concurrence of sarcopenia and obesity. Sleep duration is linked to both obesity and sarcopenia. However, little was known regarding the association of sleep duration with sarcopenic obesity. In this study, we aimed to examine the association of sleep duration with sarcopenic obesity in multi-ethnic community-dwelling older adults.

METHODS

Sarcopenia was defined according to the criteria established by Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia (AWGS) 2019. Obesity was defined as body fat percentage above the 60th percentile specified by sex. Sarcopenic obesity was defined as concurrence of obesity and sarcopenia. Sleep duration was collected by a self-reported questionnaire and was further divided into 5 groups: "<6 h", "6-7 h", "7-8 h", "8-9 h" (reference group) and "≥9 h" (long sleep). Logistic regressions were adopted to examine the association.

RESULTS

2256 multi-ethnic adults aged 60 and over from the West China Health and Aging Trend (WCHAT) study were involved for present study. Overall, 6.25% of the participants were classified as sarcopenic obesity. In the fully adjusted model, long sleep duration (≥ 9 h) was significantly associated with sarcopenic obesity compared with reference group (OR = 1.81, 95%CI = 1.10-2.98, P = 0.019). However, in subgroup analysis, this association can only be observed in male (OR 1.98, 95% CI = 1.02-3.87, P = 0.043) not in female (OR = 1.83, 95%CI = 0.85-3.94, P = 0.118). Regarding ethnic difference, Han older adults with long sleep duration (≥ 9 h) presented increased risk of sarcopenic obesity while ethnic minorities did not.

CONCLUSION

This study disclosed that long sleep duration significantly increased the risk of sarcopenic obesity among older adults. And our findings highlight the critical role of assessing sleep duration to identify individuals at risk of sarcopenic obesity.

The circadian rhythm regulates branched-chain amino acids metabolism in fast muscle of Chinese perch (Siniperca chuatsi) during short-term fasting by Clock-KLF15-Bcat2 pathway

As an internal time-keeping mechanism, circadian rhythm plays crucial role in maintaining homoeostasis when in response to nutrition change; meanwhile, branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) in skeletal muscle play an important role in preserving energy homoeostasis during fasting. Previous results from our laboratory suggested that fasting can influence peripheral circadian rhythm and BCAA metabolism in fish, but the relationship between circadian rhythm and BCAA metabolism, and whether circadian rhythm regulates BCAA metabolism to maintain physiological homoeostasis during fasting remains unclear. This study shows that the expression of fifteen core clock genes as well as KLF15 and Bcat2 is highly responsive to short-term fasting in fast muscle of Siniperca chuatsi, and the correlation coefficient between Clock and KLF15 expression is enhanced after fasting treatment. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the transcriptional expression of KLF15 is regulated by Clock, and the transcriptional expression of Bcat2 is regulated by KLF15 by using dual-luciferase reporter gene assay and Vivo-morpholinos-mediated gene knockdown technique. Therefore, fasting imposes a dynamic coordination of transcription between the circadian rhythm and BCAA metabolic pathways. The findings highlight the interaction between circadian rhythm and BCAA metabolism and suggest that fasting induces a switch in KLF15 expression through affecting the rhythmic expression of Clock, and then KLF15 promotes the transcription of Bcat2 to enhance the metabolism of BCAA, thus maintaining energy homoeostasis and providing energy for skeletal muscle as well as other tissues.

Effects of Time-Restricted Feeding and Ramadan Fasting on Body Weight, Body Composition, Glucose Responses, and Insulin Resistance: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials

Time-restricted feeding (TRF) and Ramadan fasting (RF) have been recently associated with several health outcomes. However, it is not yet clear if they are superior to existing treatments in terms of glucose metabolism, insulin action, and weight loss. This review aims to summarize the current data on the effects of these regimes on body weight, body composition, and glycemia. An electronic search was conducted in PUBMED and SCOPUS databases up to August 2022. Twenty-four records met the inclusion criteria and underwent a risk-of-bias assessment. The main outcomes were: (a) TRF may result in moderate weight loss in individuals with overweight/obesity; when TRF is combined with caloric restriction, weight loss is >5% of the initial body weight, (b) 14 h of fasting may be as effective as 16 h in terms of weight loss, and (c) TRF may lead to improved insulin sensitivity and glycemic responses/variability throughout the day in individuals with overweight/obesity. Concerning RF, only two studies were available and thus, conclusions were not drawn. TRF may be an effective nutritional approach for weight loss, and the amelioration of glycemic control and insulin sensitivity in individuals with overweight/obesity. However, more long-term, well-designed studies are needed.

Circadian rhythms-related disorders in diurnal fat sand rats under modern lifestyle conditions: A review

Modern lifestyle reduces environmental rhythmicity and may lead to circadian desynchrony. We are exposed to poor day-time lighting indoors and excessive night-time artificial light. We use air-conditioning to reduce ambient temperature cycle, and food is regularly available at all times. These disruptions of daily rhythms may lead to type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), obesity, cardiometabolic diseases (CMD), depression and anxiety, all of which impose major public health and economic burden on societies. Therefore, we need appropriate animal models to gain a better understanding of their etiologic mechanisms, prevention, and management.We argue that the fat sand rat (Psammomys obesus), a diurnal animal model, is most suitable for studying the effects of modern-life conditions. Numerous attributes make it an excellent model to study human health disorders including T2DM, CMD, depression and anxiety. Here we review a comprehensive series of studies we and others conducted, utilizing the fat sand rat to study the underlying interactions between biological rhythms and health. Understanding these interactions will help deciphering the biological basis of these diseases, which often occur concurrently. We found that when kept in the laboratory (compared with natural and semi-wild outdoors conditions where they are diurnal), fat sand rats show low amplitude, nocturnal or arrhythmic activity patterns, dampened daily glucose rhythm, glucose intolerance, obesity and decreased survival rates. Short photoperiod acclimation exacerbates these pathologies and further dampens behavioral and molecular daily rhythms, resulting in CMD, T2DM, obesity, adipocyte dysfunction, cataracts, depression and anxiety. Increasing environmental rhythmicity by morning bright light exposure or by access to running wheels strengthens daily rhythms, and results in higher peak-to-trough difference in activity, better rhythmicity in clock genes expression, lower blood glucose and insulin levels, improved glucose tolerance, lower body and heart weight, and lower anxiety and depression. In summary, we have demonstrated that fat sand rats living under the correspondent of “human modern lifestyle” conditions exhibit dampened behavioral and biological rhythms and develop circadian desynchrony, which leads to what we have named “The Circadian Syndrome”. Environmental manipulations that increase rhythmicity result in improvement or prevention of these pathologies. Similar interventions in human subjects could have the same positive results and further research on this should be undertaken.

Chrono-Aerobic Exercise Optimizes Metabolic State in DB/DB Mice through CLOCK–Mitophagy–Apoptosis

Although the benefits of aerobic exercise on obesity and type 2 diabetes are well-documented, the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes and the intervention mechanism of exercise remain ambiguous. The correlation between mitochondrial quality and metabolic diseases has been identified. Disruption of the central or peripheral molecular clock can also induce chronic metabolic diseases. In addition, the interactive effects of the molecular clock and mitochondrial quality have attracted extensive attention in recent years. Exercise and a high-fat diet have been considered external factors that may change the molecular clock and metabolic state. Therefore, we utilized a DB/DB (BSK.Cg-Dock7m +/+ Leprdb/JNju) mouse model to explore the effect of chrono-aerobic exercise on the metabolic state of type 2 diabetic mice and the effect of timing exercise as an external rhythm cue on liver molecular clock-mitochondrial quality. We found that two differently timed exercises reduced the blood glucose and serum cholesterol levels in DB/DB mice, and compared with night exercise (8:00 p.m., the active period of mice), morning exercise (8:00 a.m., the sleeping period of mice) significantly improved the insulin sensitivity in DB/DB mice. In contrast, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) increased the expression of CLOCK and impaired the mitochondrial quality (mitochondrial networks, OPA1, Fis1, and mitophagy), as well as induced apoptosis. Both morning and night exercise ameliorated impaired mitochondrial quality and apoptosis induced by diabetes. However, compared with morning exercise, night exercise not only decreased the protein expression of CLOCK but also decreased excessive apoptosis. In addition, the expression of CLOCK was negatively correlated with the expression of OPA1 and Fis1. In summary, our research suggests that morning exercise is more beneficial for increasing insulin sensitivity and promoting glucose transport in T2DM, whereas night exercise may improve lipid infiltration and mitochondrial abnormalities through CLOCK–mitophagy–apoptosis in the liver, thereby downregulating glucose and lipid disorders. In addition, CLOCK-OPA1/Fis1–mitophagy might be novel targets for T2DM treatment.

Diurnal rhythm of human semen quality: analysis of large-scale human sperm bank data and timing-controlled laboratory study

STUDY QUESTION

Can we identify diurnal oscillations in human semen parameters as well as peak times of semen quality?

SUMMARY ANSWER

Human semen parameters show substantial diurnal oscillation, with most parameters reaching a peak between 1100 and 1500 h.

WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY

A circadian clock appears to regulate different physiological functions in various organs, but it remains controversial whether diurnal rhythms occur in human semen parameters.

STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION

The medical record of a provincial human sperm bank (HSB) with 33 430 semen samples collected between 0800 and 1700 h from 1 March 2010 to 8 July 2015 was used to analyze variation in semen parameters among time points. A laboratory study was conducted to collect semen samples (n = 36) from six volunteers at six time points with identical time intervals (2 days plus 4 h) between 6 June and 8 July in 2019, in order to investigate the diurnal oscillation of semen parameters in vivo, with a strictly controlled abstinence period. Therefore, the sperm bank study with a large sample size and the in vivo study with a strictly controlled abstinence period in a 24-h time window could be compared to describe the diurnal rhythms in human semen parameters.

PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS

Samples were obtained from potential HSB donors and from participants in the laboratory study who were volunteers, recruited by flyers distributed in the community. Total sperm count, sperm concentration, semen volume, progressive motility and total motility were assessed using computer-aided sperm analysis. In addition, sperm chromatin integrity parameters (DNA fragmentation index and high DNA stainability) were assessed by the sperm chromatin structure assay, and sperm viability was measured with flow cytometry in the laboratory study.

MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE

The 33 430 samples from the HSB showed a temporal variation in total sperm count, sperm concentration, semen volume, progressive motility and total motility (all P < 0.001) between 0800 and 1700 h. Consequently, the eligibility of semen samples for use in ART, based on bank standards, fluctuated with time point. Each hour earlier/later than 1100 h was associated with 1.14-fold risk of ineligibility. Similarly, the 36 samples taken during the 24-h time window showed diurnal oscillation. With the pre-collection abstinence period strictly controlled, most semen parameters reached the most favorable level between 1100 and 1500 h.

LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION

Some of the possible confounding factors, such as energy intake, which might influence semen quality or diurnal rhythms, were not adjusted for in the analyses. In addition, the findings should be considered with caution because the study was conducted in a specific population, time and place, while the timing of oscillations could differ with changing conditions.

WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS

The findings could help us to estimate semen quality more precisely and to obtain higher quality sperm for use in ART and in natural conception.

STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S)

This study was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (81871208) and National Key R&D Program of China (2017YFC1002001). There are no conflicts of interest to declare.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

N/A.

Mechanosensors control skeletal muscle mass, molecular clocks, and metabolism

BACKGROUND

Skeletal muscles (SkM) are mechanosensitive, with mechanical unloading resulting in muscle-devastating conditions and altered metabolic properties. However, it remains unexplored whether these atrophic conditions affect SkM mechanosensors and molecular clocks, both crucial for their homeostasis and consequent physiological metabolism.

METHODS

We induced SkM atrophy through 14 days of hindlimb suspension (HS) in 10 male C57BL/6J mice and 10 controls (CTR). SkM histology, gene expressions and protein levels of mechanosensors, molecular clocks and metabolism-related players were examined in the m. Gastrocnemius and m. Soleus. Furthermore, we genetically reduced the expression of mechanosensors integrin-linked kinase (Ilk1) and kindlin-2 (Fermt2) in myogenic C2C12 cells and analyzed the gene expression of mechanosensors, clock components and metabolism-controlling genes.

RESULTS

Upon hindlimb suspension, gene expression levels of both core molecular clocks and mechanosensors were moderately upregulated in m. Gastrocnemius but strongly downregulated in m. Soleus. Upon unloading, metabolism- and protein biosynthesis-related genes were moderately upregulated in m. Gastrocnemius but downregulated in m. Soleus. Furthermore, we identified very strong correlations between mechanosensors, metabolism- and circadian clock-regulating genes. Finally, genetically induced downregulations of mechanosensors Ilk1 and Fermt2 caused a downregulated mechanosensor, molecular clock and metabolism-related gene expression in the C2C12 model.

CONCLUSIONS

Collectively, these data shed new lights on mechanisms that control muscle loss. Mechanosensors are identified to crucially control these processes, specifically through commanding molecular clock components and metabolism.

Metabolic state switches between morning and evening in association with circadian clock in non‐diabetic humans

Aims/Introduction

Understanding morning–evening variation in metabolic state is critical for managing metabolic disorders. We aimed to characterize this variation from the viewpoints of insulin secretion and insulin sensitivity, including their relevance to the circadian rhythm.

Materials and Methods

A total of 14 and 10 people without diabetes were enrolled, and underwent a 75‐g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and hyperinsulinemic‐euglycemic clamp study, respectively. Participants completed the OGTT or hyperinsulinemic‐euglycemic clamp at 08.00 hours and 20.00 hours in random order. Before each study, hair follicles were collected. In mice, phosphorylation levels of protein kinase B were examined in the liver and muscle by western blotting.

Results

Glucose tolerance was better at 08 .00 hours, which was explained by the higher 1‐h insulin secretion on OGTT and increased skeletal muscle insulin sensitivity on hyperinsulinemic‐euglycemic clamp. Hepatic insulin sensitivity, estimated by the hepatic insulin resistance index on OGTT, was better at 20.00 hours. The 1‐h insulin secretion and hepatic insulin resistance index correlated significantly with Per2 messenger ribonucleic acid expression. The change (evening value – morning value) in the glucose infusion rate correlated significantly with the change in non‐esterified fatty acid, but not with clock gene expressions. The change in non‐esterified fatty acid correlated significantly with E4bp4 messenger ribonucleic acid expression and the change in cortisol. In mice, phosphorylation of protein kinase B was decreased in the liver and increased in muscle in the beginning of the active period as, expected from the human study.

Conclusions

Glucose metabolism in each tissue differed between the morning and evening, partly reflecting lipid metabolism, clock genes and cortisol levels. Deeper knowledge of these associations might be useful for ameliorating metabolic disorders.

Sarcopenia: An Age-Related Multifactorial Disorder

Sarcopenia is an emerging clinical entity characterized by a gradual decline in skeletal muscle mass and strength that accompanies the normal aging process. It has been noted that sarcopenia is associated with various adverse health outcomes in the geriatric population like prolonged hospital admission, disability, poor quality of life, frailty, and mortality. Factors involved in the development of age-related sarcopenia include anorexia, alteration in the hormone levels, decreased neural innervation, low blood flow to the muscles, cytokine dysregulation, altered mitochondrial activity, genomic instability, intracellular proteolysis, and insulin resistance. Understanding the mechanism may help develop efficient preventive and therapeutic strategies which can improve the quality of life in elderly individuals. Thus, the objective of the present article is to review the literature regarding the mechanism involved in the development of sarcopenia in aged individuals.

Beneficial effects of voluntary wheel running on activity rhythms, metabolic state, and affect in a diurnal model of circadian disruption

Emerging evidence suggests that disruption of circadian rhythmicity contributes to development of comorbid depression, cardiovascular diseases (CVD), and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Physical exercise synchronizes the circadian system and has ameliorating effects on the depression- and anxiety-like phenotype induced by circadian disruption in mice and sand rats. We explored the beneficial effects of voluntary wheel running on daily rhythms, and the development of depression, T2DM, and CVD in a diurnal animal model, the fat sand rat (Psammomys obesus). Voluntary exercise strengthened general activity rhythms, improved memory and lowered anxiety- and depressive-like behaviors, enhanced oral glucose tolerance, and decreased plasma insulin levels and liver weight. Animals with access to a running wheel had larger heart weight and heart/body weight ratio, and thicker left ventricular wall. Our results demonstrate that exercising ameliorates pathological-like daily rhythms in activity and blood glucose levels, glucose tolerance and depressive- and anxiety-like behaviors in the sand rat model, supporting the important role of physical activity in modulating the “circadian syndrome” and circadian rhythm-related diseases. We suggest that the utilization of a diurnal rodent animal model may offer an effective way to further explore metabolic, cardiovascular, and affective-like behavioral changes related to chronodisruption and their underlying mechanisms.