We are more susceptible to infection at certain times of the
day as our body clock affects the ability of viruses to replicate and spread
between cells, suggests new research. The findings may help explain why shift
workers, whose body clocks are routinely disrupted, are more prone to health
problems, including infections and chronic disease.
When a virus enters our body, it hijacks the machinery and
resources in our cells to help it replicate and spread throughout the body.
However, the resources on offer fluctuate throughout the day, partly in
response to our circadian rhythms -- in effect, our body clock. Circadian
rhythms control many aspects of our physiology and bodily functions -- from our
sleep patterns to body temperature, and from our immune systems to the release
of hormones. These cycles are controlled by a number of genes, including Bmal1
and Clock.
This suggest that shift workers, who work some nights and
rest some nights and so have a disrupted body clock, will be more susceptible
to viral diseases. If so, then they could be prime candidates for receiving the
annual flu vaccines.
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