Chronobiology: Relevance for tuberculosis

Author(s)

Santos, Ligia Gabrielle ^[1] ; Pires, Gabriel Natan ^[2] ; Azeredo Bittencourt, Lia Rita ^[2] ; Tufik, Sergio ^[2] ; Andersen, Monica Levy ^[2]

Affiliation

^[1] Inst Pesquisas Biol, Lab Micobacterias, Lab Cent Estado Rio Grande Sul, Porto Alegre, RS - Brazil

^[2] Univ Fed Sao Paulo, Dept Ps Biol, BR-04024002 Sao Paulo - Brazil

• Document type: Review article
• Source: TUBERCULOSIS; v. 92, n. 4, p. 293-300, JUL 2012.
• Web of Science Citations: 5

Abstract

Despite the knowledge concerning the pathogenesis of tuberculosis, this disease remains one of the most important causes of mortality worldwide. Several risk factors are well-known, such poverty, HIV infection, and poor nutrition, among others. However, some issues that may influence tuberculosis warrant further investigation. In particular, the chronobiological aspects related to tuberculosis have garnered limited attention. In general, the interface between tuberculosis and chronobiology is manifested in four ways: variations in vitamin D bioavailability, winter conditions, associated infections, and circannual oscillations of lymphocytes activity. Moreover, tuberculosis is related to the following chronobiological factors: seasonality, latitude, photoperiod and radiation. Despite the relevance of these topics, the relationship between them has been weakly reviewed. This review aims to synthesize the studies regarding the association between tuberculosis and chronobiology, as well as urge critical discussion and highlight its applicability to health policies for tuberculosis. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 98/14303-3 - Center for Sleep Studies
• Grantee: Sergio Tufik
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Research, Innovation and Dissemination Centers - RIDC