Introduction to Chronobiology
Cornelissen G., Sackett-Lundeen L., Turner A. C., Guillaume F., Beaty L. A.
Abstract
The International Committee on Nomenclature of the International Society for Chronobiology (ISC) in 1977 formally adopted the definition «chronobiology» as «Chronobiology: science objectively quantifying and investigating mechanisms of biologic time structure, including rhythmic manifestations of life». It also adopted the definition of «circadian» as «Circadian: relating to biologic variations or rhythms with a frequency of 1 cycle in 24±4 hours; circa (about, approximately) and dies (day or 24 hours). Note: term describes rhythms with an about 24hour cycle length, whether they are frequency synchronized with (acceptable) environmental schedules (24hour periodic or other) or are desynchronized or freerunning from the local environmental time scale, with periods of slightly yet consistently different from 24 hours» [Chronobiologia 1977; 4 (Suppl. 1), 189 pp.]. The beginnings of chronobiology as a discipline in its own right are recounted, with emphasis on the critical role played by Franz Halberg to provide all the needed ingredients for the new science to develop and strive, from gathering a critical mass of data in cooperation with colleagues worldwide to developing inferential statistical methods for their analysis and interpretation. By unveiling lawful variations within the physiological range, Halberg\'s clear vision that they have farreaching implications for health and disease has been vindicated, now that a molecular mechanism of circadian rhythms has been documented and the role played by the suprachiasmatic nuclei and clock genes in the periphery continues to be better understood. Chronobiology, however, encompasses more than just circadian rhythms. Evidence is presented herein for the endogenicity of the aboutweekly (circaseptan) rhythm, documented in unicells and early in human life. How they can be used to further optimize treatment timing is illustrated in a few examples, notably in relation to cancer. Keywords: сhronobiology, circadian rhythms, clock genes, suprachiasmatic nuclei, circaseptan rhythms
Language: english
Summary
Cornelissen G., Sackett-Lundeen L., Turner A. C., Guillaume F., Beaty L. A.
Introduction to Chronobiology // Electronic periodical “Herald of the International Academy of Sciences. Russian Section”, 2021. Issue #1: 64—76