Association of the rs1801260 T>C polymorphism of the CLOCK gene with sleep quality and buccal epithelial DNA damage in schoolchildren in the Arctic: A pilot study

Objective. To assess the impact of the rs1801260 T>C polymorphism in the CLOCK gene and environmental light conditions on sleep quality and cytogenetic instability among children living at high latitudes. Material and methods. The study included 77 schoolchildren aged 15 to 17 years (mean age 15.4 years; 58.4% female). The rs1801260 polymorphism in the CLOCK gene was analyzed using buccal epithelial samples collected from healthy participants. Results. Individuals with the CC genotype at the rs1801260 polymorphism of the CLOCK gene exhibited a higher frequency of nuclear protrusions and reduced sleep quality compared to carriers of the T allele. Conclusions. The rs1801260 polymorphism in the CLOCK gene may be associated with increased sensitivity to genotoxic environmental factors.