The nuclear receptors Rev-erbs and RORs integrate circadian rhythms and metabolism Published by:

Circadian rhythms are normal variations in physio-logical processes that occur over the period of aday. These rhythms are essential for the organism since they allow anticipatory metabolic regulations to prepare for the up-coming feeding or rest period. Disturbances of the biological clock predispose to meta-bolic disorders such as dyslipidaemia, insulin resistance and obesity. Moreover, certain pathological events, such as cardiovascular accidents (myocardial infarction, stroke) occur more frequently at specific times of the day. The nuclear receptors Rev-erbα and RORα are clock components involved in the regulation of the core clock circuitry. They are also important regulators of lipid and lipoprotein metabolism, adipogenesis and vascular inflammation. Moreover, they cross-talk with several other nuclear receptors controlling energy homeostasis. Therefore, Rev-erbα and RORα may play a central role in the coordination of metabolic processes and circadian outputs. Diabetes Vasc Dis Res 2008;5:82–8 doi:10.3132/dvdr.2008.0014 Key words: biological clock, cardiovascular disease, Circadian rhythm, metabolic disorders, nuclear receptor, Rev-erbα, RORα