Influence of Per3 genotypes on circadian rhythmicity in flight cadets after militarized management.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to explore the effect of PERIOD3 (PER3) genotypes on circadian rhythmicity in flight cadets after militarized management.


METHODS
We performed a preliminary study in 146 newly enrolled male flight cadets. Venous blood samples were collected, and genotyping of PER3 (4/5) was determined by using PCR. The morningness-eveningness questionnaire (MEQ) survey was given to flight cadets upon enrollment and after militarized management for 24 months respectively. Comparison of frequency distribution of PER3 genotypes between cases and controls (120 well-matched civilians) was performed using the X(2) test. We also compared the circadian rhythmicity upon enrollment and 24 months after enrollment in flight cadets, and analyzed the connection of changes in circadian clock with PER3 genotypes.


RESULTS
The frequency distribution of PER3 genotypes in flight cadets was not significantly different from that in controls subjects. MEQ survey results showed chronotype within flight cadet group varied widely at the two time-points: the moderately morning type (50%) and the neither type (41.1%) upon enrollment; the neither type (76.7%) and the moderately morning type (21.2%) 24 months after enrollment. The circadian rhythm of individuals with the PER3 (5/5) genotype showed no significant difference before and after 24 months of militarized management, whereas notable changes were found in individuals with the PER3 (4/4) genotype (n=116, X(2) =37.26, P < 0.001).


CONCLUSIONS
In conclusion, we provide some evidence that circadian rhythm of flight cadets with the PER3 (5) allele are less likely to be affected compared to those with the PER3 (4) allele.
Center of Basic Medical Sciences, Navy General Hospital of PLA Beijing 100037, P. R. China.
Huai-Jie
HJ
An
Department of Nanlou Respiratory Disease, Chinese PLA General Hospital Beijing 100853, P. R. China.
Chang-Xi
CX
Zhou
Cancer Center, Division of Internal Medicine, Chinese PLA General Hospital Beijing 100853, P. R. China.
Peiliang
P
Geng
Department of Medical Administration, Navy General Hospital of PLA Beijing 100037, P. R. China.
Hong-Tao
HT
Xu
Center of Basic Medical Sciences, Navy General Hospital of PLA Beijing 100037, P. R. China.
Chenghe
C
Shi
Center of Basic Medical Sciences, Navy General Hospital of PLA Beijing 100037, P. R. China.
Xiao-Hang
XH
Zhao
Department of Medical Administration, Navy General Hospital of PLA Beijing 100037, P. R. China.
Yang-Ming
YM
Qian
D000204:Activity Cycles / Q000235:genetics; D000293:Adolescent; D001359:Aviation; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D002940:Circadian Rhythm / Q000235:genetics*; D005787:Gene Frequency; D006579:Heterozygote; D006720:Homozygote; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008889:Military Personnel; D056950:Period Circadian Proteins / Q000235:genetics*; D010641:Phenotype; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013997:Time Factors
C512644:PER3 protein, human; D056950:Period Circadian Proteins
Circadian rhythmicity; PER3 gene; flight cadet; militarized management