The circadian clock gene Bmal1: Role in COVID-19 and periodontitis

The physiological processes of most living organisms follow a rhythmic pattern, which is controlled by the interaction between environmental cues and the internal circadian timing system. Different regulatory circadian genes are expressed in most cells and tissues, and disruptions in the sleep-wake cycle affect these genes, which may result in metabolic disorders and cause alterations of the immune system. The manifestations of these disrupted genes are evident in inflammatory conditions such as periodontitis and some viral diseases, including COVID-19. The brain and muscle ARNT-like protein-1 (Bmal1), an important circadian regulatory gene, decreases when the sleep-wake cycle is disrupted. Circadian genes have been linked to different events, including cytokine storm in inflammatory conditions and virus invasion. The evaluation of the effects of these regulatory circadian genes, especially Bmal1, in periodontitis and viral infection suggests that both diseases may have a common pathogenesis via the NF-kappa B pathway. This brief review highlights the role and importance of the circadian clock gene Bmal1 in the disease process of periodontitis and suggests its role and importance in viral infections, including COVID-19.

Automated summary

Most living organisms exhibit physiological processes following a rhythmic pattern controlled by the interaction between environmental cues and the internal circadian timing system. Disruptions in the sleep-wake cycle can affect circadian genes expression, leading to metabolic disorders and immune system alterations, evident in inflammatory conditions such as periodontitis and COVID-19. These disruptions are linked to the downregulation of the brain and muscle ARNT-like protein-1 (Bmal1), which plays a crucial role in disease processes like periodontitis and viral infections.