Time-restricted feeding regulates molecular mechanisms with involvement of circadian rhythm to prevent metabolic diseases

Nutrition. 2021 Sep:89:111244. doi: 10.1016/j.nut.2021.111244. Epub 2021 Mar 17.

Abstract

Lifestyle and genetic perturbation of circadian rhythm can trigger the incidence and severity of metabolic diseases. Time-restricted feeding (TRF) regulates the circadian rhythm of food intake that protects against metabolic disorders induced by adverse nutrient intake. TRF also executes host metabolism from nutrient availability to optimize nutrient utilization. Circadian clock and nutrient-sensing pathways coordinate to regulate metabolic health through the feeding/fasting cycle. Concurrently, TRF imposes diurnal rhythm in nutrient utilization, thereby preserving cellular homeostasis. However, modulation of daily feeding and fasting periods calibrates the circadian clock, which protects against the lethal effects of nutrient imbalance on metabolism. Therefore, TRF also improves and restores metabolic rhythms that ultimately lead to better fitness by reversing the alteration in genotype-specific gene expression. The aim of this review was to summarize that TRF is an emerging dietary approach that maintains robust circadian rhythms in support of a steady daily feeding and fasting cycle. TRF also encourages the coordination between circadian clock components and nutrient-sensing pathways via molecular effectors that exert a protective role in the prevention of metabolic diseases.

Keywords: Circadian clock components; Genetic perturbation; Metabolic diseases; Nutrient-sensing pathways; Time-restricted feeding.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Circadian Rhythm*
  • Diet
  • Eating
  • Fasting
  • Feeding Behavior
  • Humans
  • Metabolic Diseases* / prevention & control