The international team of researchers found out that circadian cardiomyocyte cells – heart cells affect the work of the body during the day. The article of scientists is published in the journal Nature Communications.
On the existence of circadian rhythms – daily fluctuations in the intensity of work – in the tissues of the heart, specialists have known for a long time. It was believed that they were caused by a greater stimulation of the human nervous system during the day. Researchers from Great Britain, USA, France and Switzerland revealed that cardiomyocytes regulate their circadian rhythms, changing the content of sodium ions, kalya and chlorine ions inside the cell – considered previously permanent.
“pushing” sodium and potassium ions make it possible to increase protein content in them. In experiments on cell cultures, scientists have found that the level of ion content may vary up to 30 percent. The change in the concentration of these ions is twice the electrical impulse, which leads to a reduction in cells – which causes heartbeat. This allows the heart better to adapt to high human activity.
In addition, researchers have shown that sharp changes in the routine of the day or the nature of sleep may disrupt these circadian rhythms. According to researchers, lifestyles that are conflict with these circadian rhythms are such, for example, as replaceable work – can lead to their destruction leading to harmful side effects – arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death.
“We believe that when the circadian watches in the heart become suspended with circadian rhythms in the brain – as for example, in replaceable work – our cardiovascular system is less able to withstand everyday stress during work,” the lead author of the study notes, Molecular Biology Officer of the UK Medical Research Council John O’Neill.