Chronic alteration of circadian rhythm is related to impaired lung
function and immune response
Abstract
Background: Alterations of the circadian rhythm negatively impact
several aspects of the health, including the lung function. Chronic
shiftwork scale classically induces alterations in the circadian rhythm.
However, its effects on pulmonary immune response are unknown. Aims: To
evaluate the impact of chronic alteration of circadian rhythm on
pulmonary function and immune response. Methods: In this context, a 12h
x 24h and 12h x 48h work scale in shiftwork scale policemen (n = 25;
38,73±6,92 years old) were compared with fixed work scale (8h/day) civil
men (n = 25; 34,00±9,60 years old) who were evaluated for perceived
stress, sleepiness, physical activity levels, anthropometric
characteristics, sleepiness levels, lung function, pulmonary and
systemic cellular and humoral immune response. Results: Policemen
presented increased levels of perceived stress (p<0.0008),
impaired sleepiness (p<0.04) and lung function as demonstrated
by reduced FVC (p<0.053) and FEV1 (p<0.043) when
compared to civil men. In addition, increased levels of exhaled nitric
oxide (p<0.037) and of IL-2 (p<0.0046) in the breath
condensate revealed that policemen presented chronic lung inflammation
compared to civil men. Although the whole blood analysis did not showed
any differences between the two groups concerning the number of
leukocytes, the humoral response revealed that policemen presented
increased levels of IL-2 (p<0.002) and lower levels of IL-10
(p<0.001), clearly displaying a clinical status of low grade
inflammation. Conclusions: Chronic alteration of circadian rhythm in
shiftwork scale policemen results in impaired lung function, beyond to
impair pulmonary and systemic immune function.