Circadian rhythms play a crucial role in regulating various physiological processes, including skeletal muscle health. In a recent review, researchers from China examined how disruptions in the biological clock can lead to muscle degeneration, a condition known as sarcopenia, which is associated with aging. The article explores the molecular mechanisms by which circadian disruption affects muscle function and highlights the therapeutic potential of circadian rhythm-based interventions to combat age-related muscle loss.
The production and maintenance of healthy muscle tissue rely on a finely tuned network of metabolic, inflammatory, and regulatory pathways, many of which are influenced by the body's circadian rhythm. Disruptions in this internal clock—often caused by factors such as shift work, poor sleep, and irregular feeding—are increasingly recognized as key contributors to sarcopenia. However, the specific mechanisms linking circadian disruption to muscle aging and loss have not been fully understood.
To fill this knowledge gap, Dr. Tiantian Wang and Dr. Zhen Hong from the Department of Neurology at West China Hospital, Sichuan University, China, along with their research team, compiled a comprehensive review on the role of circadian rhythms in muscle function and sarcopenia. Their findings were made available online in Chinese Medical Journal on May 29, 2026.
"The circadian clock regulates many essential processes in muscle cells, from protein metabolism to mitochondrial function, immune responses, and cell repair," says Dr. Wang. Disruptions in this clock can lead to imbalances in muscle protein synthesis and degradation, reduced mitochondrial function, and increased inflammation, all of which accelerate muscle deterioration. "Understanding how these rhythms impact muscle health is crucial for developing new therapies for sarcopenia," he adds.
Recent studies reveal that key clock genes like BMAL1, CLOCK, and REV-ERBα regulate muscle metabolism and tissue repair. When these genes are dysregulated by circadian disruption, such as through irregular sleep–wake cycles or poor eating habits, it can result in impaired muscle regeneration and increased risk of sarcopenia.
Interestingly, circadian-aligned lifestyle interventions, such as optimizing exercise timing, sleep quality, and meal timing, have been suggested to help mitigate the effects of circadian disruption on muscle health. However, more research is needed to confirm these findings in clinical settings and develop practical treatment options.
"In addition to lifestyle changes, we see the potential for pharmacological interventions, such as REV-ERBα agonists, to target the biological clock in muscle tissue and enhance muscle regeneration," explains Dr. Hong. These therapies could help restore circadian function and slow or even reverse muscle loss in aging populations.
Overall, this comprehensive review sheds light on the critical role that circadian rhythms play in muscle health and aging, offering exciting possibilities for developing new treatments for sarcopenia. By aligning therapeutic strategies with the body's natural rhythms, it may be possible to improve muscle health and quality of life for the elderly.
Reference
Titles of original papers: Restoration of circadian rhythm as novel targets against sarcopenia
Journal: Chinese Medical Journal
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1097/CM9.0000000000004087
Funding information
This study was supported by grants from the National Natural Science Foundation (Nos. 82102656, 82402974, 82501628, and U21A20393) and by 1.3.5 project for disciplines of excellence from West China Hospital of Sichuan University (Nos. ZYGD23032, and ZYGD22003).
About West China Hospital of Sichuan University, China
The West China Hospital of Sichuan University, situated in Chengdu, Sichuan, China, is a prestigious public teaching hospital and comprehensive academic medical center. Tracing its roots back to 1892 when it was founded by Western Protestant medical missions, the institution has grown into the largest single-site hospital globally and consistently ranks among China's top medical facilities. It functions as a critical regional referral hub for complex health conditions, a disaster relief medical response center, and a major national scientific research and clinical training institute offering undergraduate, postgraduate, and residency programs.
About the authors
Dr. Tiantian Wang and Dr. Zhen Hong are esteemed researchers from the Department of Neurology at the Institute of Neurology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University. Dr. Wang also holds a position at the Institute of Brain Science and Brain-inspired Technology at Sichuan University. Dr. Hong is further affiliated with the Department of Neurology at Chengdu Shangjin Nanfu Hospital. Their research primarily focuses on neurology, with a special interest in brain science and brain-inspired technologies.
