JERUSALEM, Dec. 12 (Xinhua) -- A new Israeli study has revealed the influence of the circadian system on the development of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) such as Crohn's and ulcerative colitis, paving the way for innovative therapeutic approaches for gastrointestinal tract diseases.
The Hebrew University of Jerusalem said in a press release on Thursday that the study, published in the journal Trends in Molecular Medicine, highlighted the critical role of the circadian clock in regulating immune activity and digestive functions.
The circadian system is the body's internal clock that regulates biological processes like sleep, hormone release, and metabolism over a 24-hour cycle.
It was found that disruption of the internal timing system has been linked to increased inflammation, suggesting it plays a key role in the development and progression of IBDs.
According to the researchers, samples of saliva, sweat, or blood collected at different times during the day, alongside wearable device data, could provide insights into how circadian rhythms influence inflammation, and aligning treatment strategies with natural biological cycles could improve patient outcomes.
They incorporated individual natural sleep-wake patterns, lifestyle interventions like sleep hygiene and meal timing, and real-time biological monitoring into personalized medication, which they said has the potential to significantly enhance IBD management.
"This research opens doors to integrating circadian biology into IBD management, offering hope for therapies that not only address symptoms but also align with the body's natural rhythms," the researchers concluded.
IBDs impact around 10 million people globally, with patients suffering from abdominal pain, chronic diarrhea, fatigue, and malnutrition, according to the press release.
Beyond the physical challenges, IBDs also create significant emotional and financial strains, as many sufferers endure anxiety, depression, and restrictions in professional and social engagements.
