Drugs may work better at certain times of the day

Conclusion This study looked at the pattern of genes made in 12 different mouse organs, to see if any of the genes showed a circadian, or 24-hour, rhythm. 43% of the genes that code for proteins showed a circadian rhythm in at least one mouse organ. The liver had the most circadian genes, whereas the hypothalamus (part of the brain) had the fewest. In most organs, the researchers noted that the expression of many oscillating genes peaked during “rush hours” before dawn and dusk. Although this study suggests that medication timing could be modified to improve effectiveness, further studies will be required to determine optimal drug timing.  Until further evidence is forthcoming, you should follow the advice that comes with your medication in terms of when to take it. Analysis by Bazian. Edited by NHS Choices. Follow Behind the Headlines on Twitter. Join the Healthy Evidence forum. Links To The Headlines Take your medication at the right time of day or it might not work, scientists say. The Independent, October 27 2014 Body clock: 'Rush hour' transformation discovered. BBC News, October 28 2014 Drugs may work better depending on time of day. The Daily Telegraph, October 27 2014 Links To Science Zhang R, Lahens NF, Balance HI, et al. A circadian gene expression atlas in mammals: Implications for biology and medicine. PNAS. Published online October 27 2014
Source: NHS News Feed - Category: Consumer Health News Tags: Medication Genetics/stem cells Source Type: news