Topic: Circadian Influences on Cardiovascular and Cardiometabolic Functions

Circadian biology has emerged as a critical modulator of health and disease. Circadian rhythms, defined as endogenous 24-hour oscillations in biological processes, are orchestrated by a hierarchy of cell-autonomous circadian clocks. These molecular timekeeping mechanisms exist in all mammalian cells, regulating fundamental processes such as transcription, translation, and metabolism, alongside specialized functions such as excitation-contraction coupling, neuroendocrine factor secretion, and collagen deposition. Proper synchronization of circadian clocks within and between cells and organs, as well as with the external environment, is paramount to maintaining health and homeostasis. Disruptions to circadian rhythms, caused by factors such as shift work, misaligned behaviors (such as eating at the ‘wrong’ time of day), certain disease states (e.g., sleep apnea), and aging, are associated with an increased risk of various pathologies, including cardiovascular and cardiometabolic diseases. Recent pre-clinical and translational studies have underscored the potential of circadian medicine, which involves timing therapeutic interventions and/or specifically targeting the circadian system, to prevent or treat common pathologies. This Special Issue aims to highlight the latest advances in understanding circadian influences on cardiovascular and cardiometabolic functions, with the goal of exploring how best to leverage circadian biology for therapeutic benefit.

Chronobiology, cardiovascular, cardiometabolic, clocks, heart failure, hypertension, obesity, diabetes mellitus

25 Aug 2025