{"title":"The effects of circadian rhythm on reproductive functions.","authors":"Seda Karabulut, Lima Oria","doi":"10.1017/S0967199425100130","DOIUrl":null,"url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Circadian rhythms are intrinsic, endogenously generated cycles that regulate various physiological processes, including reproductive functions. These rhythms are orchestrated by a network of core clock genes and are influenced by external environmental cues, primarily the light-dark cycle. Disruptions in circadian rhythms can have profound effects on fertility in both males and females, impacting processes such as the estrous cycle, ovulation, sperm production, implantation and pregnancy maintenance. This review comprehensively explores the molecular mechanisms underlying circadian rhythms and their influence on reproductive health, integrating evidence from both animal models and human studies. We delve into the intricate interplay between circadian genes, hormonal regulation and environmental factors, underscoring the critical importance of circadian integrity for optimal reproductive outcomes. The potential therapeutic implications of maintaining circadian rhythms are also discussed, highlighting novel avenues for enhancing reproductive health.</p>","PeriodicalId":24075,"journal":{"name":"Zygote","volume":" ","pages":"1-7"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4000,"publicationDate":"2025-09-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":"0","resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":null,"PeriodicalName":"Zygote","FirstCategoryId":"99","ListUrlMain":"https://doi.org/10.1017/S0967199425100130","RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":null,"EPubDate":"","PubModel":"","JCR":"Q4","JCRName":"CELL BIOLOGY","Score":null,"Total":0}
引用次数: 0
Abstract
Circadian rhythms are intrinsic, endogenously generated cycles that regulate various physiological processes, including reproductive functions. These rhythms are orchestrated by a network of core clock genes and are influenced by external environmental cues, primarily the light-dark cycle. Disruptions in circadian rhythms can have profound effects on fertility in both males and females, impacting processes such as the estrous cycle, ovulation, sperm production, implantation and pregnancy maintenance. This review comprehensively explores the molecular mechanisms underlying circadian rhythms and their influence on reproductive health, integrating evidence from both animal models and human studies. We delve into the intricate interplay between circadian genes, hormonal regulation and environmental factors, underscoring the critical importance of circadian integrity for optimal reproductive outcomes. The potential therapeutic implications of maintaining circadian rhythms are also discussed, highlighting novel avenues for enhancing reproductive health.
期刊介绍:
An international journal dedicated to the rapid publication of original research in early embryology, Zygote covers interdisciplinary studies on gametogenesis through fertilization to gastrulation in animals and humans. The scope has been expanded to include clinical papers, molecular and developmental genetics. The editors will favour work describing fundamental processes in the cellular and molecular mechanisms of animal development, and, in particular, the identification of unifying principles in biology. Nonetheless, new technologies, review articles, debates and letters will become a prominent feature.