Circadian Rhythm, Energy Metabolism, and the Gut Microbiome: a Review

This review discussed the interrelationship between the circadian rhythm of the host and of the intestinal microbiome and the implications of this new field on energy metabolism, specifically implications relating to obesity. Circadian rhythm, or the 24-hour system that bodies use to expect and to increase receptivity to certain factors in the environment, is present in almost every organ and system. However, the data that this review utilized relates mainly to the intestinal microbiome: a group of bacteria, yeasts, and viruses that inhabit the colon, with this review’s focus placed on bacteria. This interrelationship is mainly discussed through possible effects of circadian disruption and through an analysis of different methods by which the circadian rhythm of the host and the rhythm of the microbiome interact. TRF, or time-restricted feeding, has been identified as one of the potential methods to reduce the negative consequences of circadian dysregulation on metabolic processes, and various related studies were discussed in-depth. Data from four databases were analyzed to produce a variety of both experimental and review papers. All papers that related to the topic under review were thoroughly analyzed and incorporated into the review.