Chronobiological disruptions: unravelling the interplay of shift work, circadian rhythms, and vascular health in the context of stroke risk

Shift work, particularly night shifts, disrupts circadian rhythms and increases stroke risk. This manuscript explores the mechanisms connecting shift work with stroke, focusing on circadian rhythms, hypertension, and diabetes. The circadian system, controlled by different mechanisms including central and peripheral clock genes, suprachiasmatic nuclei (SCN), and pineal gland (through melatonin production), regulates body functions and responds to environmental signals. Disruptions in this system affect endothelial cells, leading to blood pressure issues. Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is significantly associated with night shifts, with circadian disturbances affecting glucose metabolism, insulin sensitivity, and hormone regulation. The manuscript examines the relationship between melatonin, insulin, and glucose balance, highlighting pathways that link T2DM to stroke risk. Additionally, dyslipidemia, particularly reduced HDL-c levels, results from shift work and contributes to stroke development. High lipid levels cause oxidative stress, inflammation, and endothelial dysfunction, increasing cerebrovascular risks. The manuscript details the effects of dyslipidemia on brain functions, including disruptions in blood flow, blood-brain barrier integrity, and neural cell death. This comprehensive analysis emphasizes the complex interplay of circadian disruption, hypertension, diabetes, and dyslipidemia in increasing stroke risk among shift workers. Understanding these mechanisms is essential for developing targeted interventions to reduce stroke susceptibility and improve cerebrovascular health in this vulnerable population.