Diets and circadian rhythms: challenges from biology for medicine.
Autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and gastrointestinal disorders such as stomach ulcers are often treated with drugs. NSAIDs, a common treatment in rheumatoid arthritis, may cause stomach ulcers which call for additional medications, notably antacids in the sense of drugs that suppress acid secretion by the stomach. Infection with Helicobacter pylori also plays a role in the ulcers. The infection is typically treated with antibiotics added to antacids. Considering NSAIDs and antacids, we suspect that overmedication is common to the extent that particular diets are a better option. Current research and current treatments with these drugs are also problematic since circadian rhythms are mostly disregarded. All the processes involved in the disorders treated show marked variations in the course of the day. Hence experiments conforming to the guidelines of evidence-based medicine, and treatments in line with them, have outcomes strongly depending on the time factor. This calls for reforms in medicine with fresh inputs from biology.
van der Steen
Wim J
WJ
Department of Registration and Research, Comprehensive Cancer Centre Middle Netherlands (IKMN), PO Box 19079, 3501 DB, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
Ho
Vincent K Y
VK
D000818:Animals; D000863:Antacids / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000178:diet therapy*; D019454:Chronotherapy; D002940:Circadian Rhythm; D004347:Drug Interactions; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D005247:Feeding Behavior; D016481:Helicobacter Infections / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy; D016480:Helicobacter pylori; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D013276:Stomach Ulcer / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000178:diet therapy*
D000863:Antacids; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal