The biological clock controls daily physiological, metabolic, and behavioral rhythms, with normal oscillations serving as indicators of good health. Disruptions in these rhythms increase the risk of diseases like obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. Studying biorhythmic homeostasis is crucial for health, disease prevention, and therapy development. Due to the challenges of studying patients with rhythm disorders in clinical settings, animal models are crucial for investigating these mechanisms. Compared to genetic or pharmacological interventions, dietary and light-based interventions in animal models more accurately reflect human dysrhythmia caused by unhealthy lifestyles. Therefore, we integrated electronic technology to modify the pathological modeling environment for mice, aiming to create an animal living space that more accurately replicates human circadian rhythm disorders. We call this system as automatic and flexible oscillatory rhythm regulation device (AFORRD).
In the SPF-grade cardiovascular disease model animal feeding system, the heat-permeable fabric was used to create a light-shaded space with independent feeding and ventilation ducts. A full-spectrum sunlight source, connected to a time switch, regulated light exposure, and food and water were provided during these periods. We established a rhythm-disordered experimental group and a control group. The control group followed a standard 12-hour light/12-hour dark cycle, while the experimental group experienced an inverted 12-hour dark/12-hour light cycle. After 4 weeks, mice were sacrificed, heart tissue collected, and mRNA extracted for transcriptome sequencing.
The study showed that reversed sleep-wake and feeding patterns significantly impacted core circadian gene expression, particularly Bmal1 and Clock. Our model allows for rhythm-disrupted and control mice to be housed together in an SPF environment, enhancing experimental control. The system’s flexibility in simulating various human schedules makes it a promising tool for standardized circadian rhythm research, applicable to both cardiac and other biological clock studies, aiding in the exploration of lifestyle impacts on health and disease.