Circadian Disruption Linked to Accelerated Colorectal Cancer Progression

UC Irvine study finds that changes in the gut microbiome due to circadian clock misalignment can worsen cancer outcomes.

Research from UC Irvine shows that disrupting the circadian clock affects the gut microbiome and intestinal barrier, accelerating colorectal cancer progression.
The study highlights a significant rise in early-onset colorectal cancer in adults under 50, potentially driven by lifestyle factors like extended light exposure and late-night meals.
Using mouse models, researchers found that circadian misalignment leads to changes in gut bacteria diversity and abundance, exacerbating cancer development.
Alterations in microbial pathways linked to nucleic acids, amino acids, and carbohydrate metabolism were observed, along with reduced intestinal mucus levels.
Further research is needed to determine if specific gut bacteria changes directly lead to cancer development, with long-term studies critical for future prevention strategies.