Higher central circadian temperature amplitude is associated with greater metabolite rhythmicity in humans.
Level 4 - case-series / case-control
Cross-sectional physiological study without a control or intervention group.
PubMed 39039133 · doi:10.1038/s41598-024-67297-y
What was done
Researchers evaluated the relationship between core body temperature rhythms and circulating metabolic rhythms in 23 healthy young adults (mean age 25.4 ± 5.7 years, 5 women) during a 40-hour constant routine protocol designed to control for behavioral and environmental masking factors. Plasma metabolomics profiling tracked 929 metabolites across the constant routine. Complete and valid core body temperature datasets were available and analyzed for 17 participants (mean age 25.6 ± 6.3 years, 1 woman).
What was found
Individuals with higher central core body temperature amplitude had a significantly higher number of rhythmic plasma metabolites (R² = 0.37, p = .009). Higher core body temperature amplitude was also significantly correlated with lower variability in the free-fitted periods among rhythmic metabolites within an individual (R² = 0.47, p = .002).
Why it matters
These results link central circadian clock robustness, measured via core body temperature amplitude, to the internal synchronization and rhythmicity of peripheral metabolic pathways in humans.
Limits
The final sample size was very small (n = 17) and heavily sex-skewed (only 1 woman with valid temperature data). The observational, cross-sectional design demonstrates association under constant routine conditions but does not establish direct causality.
Cited by
- context Human body temperature must increase by approximately 1 to 3 degrees Fahrenheit to wake up feeling energized.
- context In order to wake up feeling refreshed and energized, human body temperature must increase by approximately 1 to 3 degrees.