To consolidate current understanding of the autonomic nervous system's (ANS) role in regulating circadian blood pressure (BP) patterns and to evaluate ANS-targeted diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.
Approach:
Circadian Clocks Overview: The review discusses the systemic and cellular organization of circadian clocks, highlighting the role of the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) and peripheral clocks in BP regulation, as well as their interaction with other major BP regulatory systems.
BP Regulation Mechanisms: It examines the relationship between BP and circadian rhythms, focusing on how environmental factors disrupt these rhythms and lead to BP disorders.
Future Research Directions: The review identifies unresolved questions regarding ANS function in circadian BP regulation.
Key Findings:
Circadian rhythms significantly influence BP regulation, with distinct patterns observed in diurnal humans.
Nondipping BP, characterized by a lack of normal nocturnal BP reduction, is linked to dysregulation of the ANS and RAAS.
Altered clock gene expression is associated with hypertension and disrupted BP rhythms.
Interpretation:
The ANS is a central mediator in the integration of circadian signals that regulate BP, and its dysfunction may contribute to hypertension.
Limitations:
The review highlights gaps in understanding the mechanistic pathways linking ANS function and circadian BP regulation.
Existing literature often presents fragmented views on the role of ANS in BP circadian rhythms.
Conclusion:
The review emphasizes the importance of ANS tone in maintaining circadian BP rhythms and suggests avenues for future research and therapeutic interventions.
