Interactions between Gut Microbiota, Host Circadian Rhythms, and Metabolic Diseases

Abstract

ABSTRACT The circadian rhythm arises endogenously from genetically encoded molecular clocks, wherein the components collaborate to induce cyclic fluctuations, occurring approximately every 24 h. The rhythms synchronize biological processes with regular and predictable environmental patterns to guarantee the host metabolism and energy homeostasis function and well-being. Disruptions to circadian rhythms are widely associated with metabolic disorders. Notably, microbial rhythms are influenced by both the host’s intrinsic circadian clock and external rhythmic factors (i.e., light–dark cycle, diet patterns, and diet composition), which affect the structure of microbial communities and metabolic functions. Moreover, microbiota and the metabolites also reciprocally influence host rhythms, potentially impacting host metabolic function. This review aimed to explore the bidirectional interactions between the circadian clock, factors influencing host–microbial circadian rhythms, and the effects on lipid metabolism and energy homeostasis. Keywords: circadian rhythms, gut microbiota, microbial metabolites, metabolic homeostasis, interaction