Human blood metabolite timetable indicates internal body time

Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2012 Sep 11;109(37):15036-41. doi: 10.1073/pnas.1207768109. Epub 2012 Aug 27.

Abstract

A convenient way to estimate internal body time (BT) is essential for chronotherapy and time-restricted feeding, both of which use body-time information to maximize potency and minimize toxicity during drug administration and feeding, respectively. Previously, we proposed a molecular timetable based on circadian-oscillating substances in multiple mouse organs or blood to estimate internal body time from samples taken at only a few time points. Here we applied this molecular-timetable concept to estimate and evaluate internal body time in humans. We constructed a 1.5-d reference timetable of oscillating metabolites in human blood samples with 2-h sampling frequency while simultaneously controlling for the confounding effects of activity level, light, temperature, sleep, and food intake. By using this metabolite timetable as a reference, we accurately determined internal body time within 3 h from just two anti-phase blood samples. Our minimally invasive, molecular-timetable method with human blood enables highly optimized and personalized medicine.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Biological Clocks / physiology*
  • Blood / metabolism*
  • Chromatography, Liquid
  • Chronotherapy / methods*
  • Eating
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mass Spectrometry
  • Metabolomics / methods*
  • Photoperiod
  • Precision Medicine / methods
  • Sleep
  • Temperature
  • Time Factors
  • Young Adult