Daily injection of melatonin inhibits insulin resistance induced by chronic mealtime shift

Shift work disorders have become an emerging concern worldwide. Shift disorders encompass a wide range of illnesses that have yet to be identified. The study focused on the relationship between shift work disorders and insulin resistance. Previously, it was reported that advancing the usual mealtime of mice triggered insulin resistance. Here, the hypothesis that chronic mealtime shifts induce oxidative damage leading to chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes was tested. It was found that mealtime shift causes imbalances between anti-oxidative capacity and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, indicating increased oxidative damage during the light/rest phase. This study further demonstrated that daily supplementation of antioxidants at the appropriate time of day inhibited insulin resistance caused by chronic mealtime shifts, suggesting significant and chronic health implications for shift workers. In conclusion, it was confirmed that increased ROS levels caused by mealtime shift induce insulin resistance, which is inhibited by the antioxidant melatonin.