Long-term sleep deprivation (SD) is a bad lifestyle habit, especially among specific occupational practitioners, characterized by circadian rhythm misalignment and abnormal sleep/wake cycles. SD is closely associated with an increased risk of metabolic disturbance, particularly obesity and insulin resistance. The incretin hormone, glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), is a critical insulin release determinant secreted by the intestinal L-cell upon food intake. Besides, the gut microbiota participates in metabolic homeostasis and regulates GLP-1 release in a circadian rhythm manner. As a commonly recognized intestinal probiotic, Bifidobacterium has various clinical indications regarding its curative effect. However, few studies have investigated the effect of Bifidobacterium supplementation on sleep disorders. In the present study, we explored the impact of long-term SD on the endocrine metabolism of rhesus monkeys and determined the effect of Bifidobacterium supplementation on the SD-induced metabolic status. Lipid concentrations, body weight, fast blood glucose, and insulin levels increased after SD. Furthermore, after 2 mo of long-term SD, the intravenous glucose tolerance test showed that the glucose metabolism was impaired and the insulin sensitivity decreased. Moreover, 1 mo of Bifidobacterium oral administration significantly reduced blood glucose and attenuated insulin resistance in rhesus macaques. Overall, our results suggested that Bifidobacterium might be used to alleviate SD-induced aberrant glucose metabolism and improve insulin resistance. Also, it might help in better understanding the mechanisms governing the beneficial effects of Bifidobacterium.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Our findings demonstrated that long-term sleep deprivation is closely associated with metabolic syndromes. Bifidobacterium administration showed a superior effect on insulin resistance caused by sleep deprivation. Overall, we provide prevention and treatment methods for long-term sleep deprivation, a bad lifestyle habit among specific occupational practitioners, such as irregular shift workers.
Keywords: Bifidobacterium; GLP-1; insulin resistance; rhesus macaques; sleep deprivation.