Circadian Rhythm Alterations And Melatonin Secretion Dynamics In Young Adults With Metabolic Syndrome
Abstract
Metabolic syndrome (MS) in young adults has emerged as an increasingly prevalent health challenge, with recent studies reporting a 4.8–7.0% occurrence among individuals aged 18–30 years, primarily associated with decreased HDL cholesterol levels. The progressive rise in obesity and related metabolic disorders underscores the importance of early identification of neuroendocrine and circadian disturbances contributing to MS pathogenesis. Melatonin, a key regulator of circadian homeostasis and a potent endogenous antioxidant, plays a crucial role in metabolic regulation, including glucose control, lipid balance, and anti-inflammatory defense. This study examines the features of daily melatonin secretion in young patients with MS, emphasizing its diagnostic and pathogenetic significance. A reduction in nocturnal melatonin release and flattening of its circadian rhythm were observed, correlating with increased insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, and endothelial dysfunction. Altered melatonin excretion patterns, assessed through urinary 6-sulfatoxymelatonin profiles, reflect an early manifestation of chronobiological imbalance or “chronodissonance.” The findings highlight that disruption of melatonin rhythm may serve as an early biomarker of metabolic and vascular risk, supporting the role of circadian regulation in preventive and therapeutic strategies for metabolic syndrome in young adults.
Keywords
Downloads
References
- Kanitkar SA, Kalyan M, Diggikar P, et al. Metabolic syndrome in medical students. J Int Med Sci Acad. 2015;28(1):14–15. Available from: http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?eid=2-s2.0-84931038720&partnerID=40&md5=6ce8860447410513c0207492e062ee73
- Kaur J. A comprehensive review on metabolic syndrome. Cardiol Res Pract. 2014;2014:943162. doi:10.1155/2014/943162
- Desai K. Prevention of Metabolic Syndrome in Young Population – Public Health Concern. Natl J Community Med. 2025 Apr;16(4):431–432.
- Martins MLB, Kac G, Silva RA, et al. Dairy consumption is associated with a lower prevalence of metabolic syndrome among young adults from Ribeirão Preto, Brazil. Nutrition. 2015;31(5):716–721. doi:10.1016/j.nut.2014.12.017
- Van Laake W, Luscher F, Young E. The circadian clock in cardiovascular regulation and disease: lessons from the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine 2017. Eur Heart J. 2018;39(25):2326–2329.
- World Health Organization. Global Action Plan on Physical Activity 2018–2030: More Active People for a Healthier World. Geneva: WHO Press; 2018.