Blunted rest-activity rhythm is associated with increased white blood-cell-based inflammatory markers in adults: an analysis from NHANES 2011-2014

Circadian rhythm disruption is associated with immune system disturbance and has been observed in many health problems where chronic-inflammation acts as a major contributor. We aim to examine whether rest-activity circadian rhythm is associated with chronic inflammation using white blood-cell-based inflammatory indices including white blood cell (WBC) count, neutrophil count, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and systemic immune-inflammation index (SII). We analyzed the data from 8089 adults (age >= 20) with at least 4 days of validated accelerometer recordings and a valid WBC count from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2011-2014. Non-parametric rest-activity circadian rhythm parameters were derived from the accelerometer recordings. In the models adjusting multiple covariates, a one-quantile increase in relative amplitude (i.e. more robust circadian rhythm) was associated with 1 x 10(8) cells/L decrease in WBC number (95% CI: 5 x 10(7) to 1.5 x 10(8), P < .001), 7 x 10(7) cells/L decrease in neutrophils (95% CI: 3 x 10(7) to 1.1 x 10(8), P = .003) and 15.2 x 10(9) /L decrease in SII (95% CI: 6 x 10(9) /L to 20 x 10(9)/L, P = .019). Consistent results were also observed for the association of M10 value and L5 value with these inflammatory indices. Our results indicated that blunted rest-activity circadian rhythm is associated with increased white blood-cell-based inflammatory indices in adults, suggesting interventions aiming at enhancing circadian rhythm by lifestyle programs may be a novel approach to improve the general health.

Automated summary

Disruption of circadian rhythm is associated with immune system disturbance and chronic inflammation. This study examined the association between rest-activity circadian rhythm and chronic inflammation using white blood-cell-based inflammatory indices. The results showed that a stronger circadian rhythm was associated with decreased white blood cell count, neutrophil count, and systemic immune-inflammation index.