Study suggests working nights may affect long-term health
Working shifts may be more dangerous for our health than previously believed, according to EU-funded researchers working in Denmark and Germany. They explain that unbalancing the internal body clock by working at night may have a direct impact on our genetic make-up, thus provoking a variety of long-term metabolic and psychological disorders. The 3-year research study has received EUR 730,000 from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). During research on the influence that working shifts, the quality of sleep and nutrition have on metabolic disorders and gene activity, scientists from Christian-Albrechts-Universitaet zu Kiel in Germany and Odense University in Denmark found that the effects of working shifts may be far more fundamental than previously assumed. They explained that because people who work shifts are not able to comply with the natural sleep/wake rhythm based on the cycle of day and night, their internal body clock becomes unbalanced. The researchers found that this may have a direct impact on our genetic make-up and the genes contained within this material. 'Gene activity is controlled by small switches on the DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid), known as DNA methylation,' explained human geneticist Dr Ole Ammerpohl from Christian-Albrechts-Universitaet zu Kiel. 'This DNA methylation adjusts to suit changes in environmental conditions and can even be passed on to subsequent generations.' He pointed out that the consequences of such changes can be a variety of metabolic disorders which, on a long-term basis, can be accompanied by a range of illnesses including psychological disorders and even the inability to work. Right up until a few generations ago, people got up at daybreak and went to bed when it got dark. 'In order to adjust to this, our bodies have evolved over centuries to develop a sophisticated system of transmitters which control the sleep-wake cycle and enable the body to regenerate sufficiently,' explained Professor Manuela Dittmar, also from Christian-Albrechts-Universitaet zu Kiel. However, he noted that over the last few decades, our lifestyles have changed drastically and working hours are no longer based on how long the day lasts. 'More and more people are required to work shifts,' said Professor Dittmar. 'The consequences for those affected include a higher incidence of typical civilisation diseases right up to burn-out syndrome and early disability.' In order to fully understand changes to the human body from these factors, the research team examined pairs of twins from Denmark using molecular-biological methods. From each pair, one twin worked shifts. 'The advantage of examining identical twins is that both are practically genetically alike and the effects of lifestyle can be identified more easily,' Dr Ammerpohl explained. 'That is why it is essential to work together with the national Danish twins register, which has been analysing twins with regard to medical and professional aspects for many years.' In addition to shift work, nutritional and sleeping patterns also aid the development of metabolic disorders, according to the scientists. The project not only looked at DNA methylation and genetic variations, it also covered the twins' nutritional behaviour, the quality of sleep obtained as well as hormone and blood counts such as blood sugar and blood lipids. For example, they examined whether the levels of the stress-hormone cortisol changed in people as a result of working shifts. The long-term objective of the study is to develop preventative measures to reduce the risk of metabolic and sleep disorders from developing in the future.For more information, please visit: Christian-Albrechts-Universitaet zu Kiel:http://www.uni-kiel.de/index-e.shtmlEuropean Regional Development Fund (ERDF):http://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/funds/feder/index_en.htm
Countries
Germany, Denmark