Association of circadian preference and insufficient sleep in the gene expression of SLC2A3 and SLC2A5 genes: relationships with energy metabolism and risk of insulin resistance

• Grant number: 24/08022-8
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: July 01, 2024
• End date: June 30, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Medicine
• Principal Investigator: Sergio Tufik
• Grantee: Bruna Caroline Rodrigues Ribeiro
• Host Institution: Escola Paulista de Medicina (EPM). Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP). Campus São Paulo. São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

The circadian rhythm, which follows a cyclic pattern of approximately 24 hours, plays a fundamental role in glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity regulation. Exposure to light and darkness is one of the main factors synchronizing the circadian cycle with the 24-hour environmental cycle. It is known that the circadian rhythm in humans exhibits a phenotypic presentation, determining three chronotypes: morning, evening, and intermediate. This circadian preference distinguishes individuals who become more active early in the day, sleeping and waking up earlier, from those who sleep, wake up, and peak performance later. When the sleep-wake pattern deviates from the individual circadian preference, changes in metabolism, such as decreased insulin sensitivity, can be found. Additionally, it is observed that changes in sleep affect the expression of genes related to energy metabolism, such as the SLC2A3 and SLC2A5 genes. Therefore, the study aims to investigate the association between circadian preference, sleep pattern, and gene expression of the SLC2A3 and SLC2A5 genes. For this purpose, a prospective cross-sectional evaluation will be conducted with 30 participants aged between 30 and 40 years, who will undergo blood collection at a standardized time for the measurement of these genetic markers and sleep and circadian preference assessment through questionnaires. We expect that individuals with a morning circadian preference have lower susceptibility to the effects of insufficient sleep on the gene expression of the SLC2A3 and SLC2A5 genes and, therefore, have a lower risk of developing insulin resistance.