We found studying different models of circadian rhythm disruption and sleep deprivation is that the gut epithelial barrier can become disrupted. And that can lead to increased intestinal permeability, which means that the epithelial barrier in the intestine becomes leaky to pro-inflammatory products such as bacterial components that are in the gut.
They can leak across that barrier and get into the intestine and into the portal system and affect the liver. That increase in intestinal permeability can promote inflammation.
And we think that it can increase the risk of developing inflammatory bowel diseases, as well as liver disease, in particular, alcoholic liver disease. And the impact of circadian disruption on the intestine is augmented or increased by alcohol. So, I often think of it as the circadian rhythm disruption is a second hit that can increase susceptibility to challenges like alcohol or a high fat Western diet.
And that can lead to worsening inflammation and worsening pathology when those two factors are working together.
