Source: [openalex](https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-026-54538-5)
Authors: Lin Xing, Junyan Xie, Ying Shi, Ruoyi Zheng, Tao Zhang
Venue: Scientific Reports · 2026-05-26
Abstract
Chronic disruption of the circadian rhythm caused by factors such as jetlag has been associated with increased risks of obesity and chronic kidney disease. Although obesity is a well-known contributor to renal injury, the impact of circadian misalignment on obesity-related kidney disease (ORKD) remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate whether chronic jetlag exacerbates ORKD and to explore its association with the NLRP3/Caspase-1/IL-1β inflammasome signaling pathway. To simulate real-world lifestyle stressors, we established a model wherein mice underwent periodic light–dark cycle alterations (chronic jetlag, JL) combined with a high-fat and high-fructose diet (HFHFD). HFHFD-fed mice exhibited significantly elevated serum lipid levels, whereas chronic jetlag further aggravated body weight gain, glucose intolerance, and urinary protein excretion. Histologically, HFHFD-JL mice exhibited aggravated glomerular hypertrophy, sclerosis, tubular degeneration, and podocyte injury. Chronic jetlag disrupted renal circadian gene rhythms and markedly upregulated NLRP3, Caspase-1, and IL-1β expression, which positively correlated with glomerulosclerosis and fibrosis. In conclusion, chronic jetlag exacerbates renal injuries in obese mice, potentially in association with the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome pathway. These findings highlighted circadian disruption as an additional pathophysiological stressor that amplifies obesity-related renal injuries.
AI relevance (4/5): Circadian disruption + metabolic dysfunction mechanism study; animal model limits tier despite strong mechanistic relevance.
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