Alterations of circadian rhythms and their impact on obesity, metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular diseases

Circadian system is comprised by central circadian pacemaker and several peripheral clocks that receive information from the external environment, synchronizing the circadian clocks. It is widely known that physiology is rhythmic and that the rupture of this rhythmicity can generate serious consequences. Circadian clocks, led by suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) in the central nervous system, are the responsible for generating this biological rhythmicity. These clocks are affected by external signals such as light (changes between day and night) and feeding rhythms. In this review, the basic principles of the circadian system and current knowledge of biological clocks are addressed, analyzing the relationship between circadian system, food intake, nutrition, and associated metabolic processes. In addition, the consequences occurring when these systems are not well coordinated with each other, such as the development of cardiovascular and metabolic pathologies, will be thoroughly discussed.