Chronic jet-lag increases mortality in aged mice
Abstract
Despite the fact that trans-meridian travel and shift work are commonplace in our 24/7 society, few controlled studies have addressed the health effects of repeated phase shifts of the biological clock. Shift work [1] and chronic jet-lag [2] reduce mental acuity and increase the risk of a number of medical problems, including cancer, peptic ulcers and sleep disorders. Some of these problems become more severe with the number of years on the job, the result either of cumulative damage or the increased age of the subjects [3]. In general, morbidity associated with many organic disorders is increased in the aged; however, the role played by age-associated alterations in the circadian clock is poorly understood. In particular the effect of repeated schedule changes is largely unaddressed. Here we report evidence that chronic jeg-lag increases mortality rates in aged mice.
- Publication:
-
Current Biology
- Pub Date:
- November 2006
- DOI:
- 10.1016/j.cub.2006.09.058
- Bibcode:
- 2006CBio...16.R914D