Some Aspects of the Orcadian Time Structure in the Elderly

摘要: Rhythmicity is a fundamental property of living matter: biological rhythms in man as well other organisms can be demonstrated at all levels organization (population, group, individual, organ, tissue, cell and subcellular structure). From macroscopic point view rhythm implies regular periodicity data displayed function time. With the help computers special programs, it possible to obtain microscopic characterization quantification rhythm. A biorhythm characterized by statistical estimation several parameters: period, acrophase, amplitude, mesor. Each these parameters expressed mean with its confidence limits for degree security 95%. reference analyzed spectrum spectral domains: circadian (with period about 24 h) are most carefully studied, but exist such ultradian (period 28 h, e.g. circamensual, circannual...). The acrophase peak time sine used approximate amplitude equal half total rhythmic variability. mesor adjusted rhythm; corresponds 24-hour when sampling performed intervals. Circadian blood variables now fairly documented young healthy adults. Reports dealing elderly subjects few obvious reasons, including difficulty gathering group comparable age social synchronization moreover, free major liver, heart, kidney, bone or any degenerative disease and, consequently, not requiring medication. Therefore, we have undertaken comparative study 7 medical students (mean years) 18 persons, aforementioned diseases 80 years; 6 men, women, women men suffering from senile dementia). All subjects, either aged, were synchronized respect meal timing, diurnal activity nocturnal rest. Blood samples drawn fixed times, every 4 during single continuous span h beginning 07.45 (circadian rhythm) was renewed four times year gather on circannual variations. Several biochemical assayed, electrolytes, enzymes, hormones. studies, appears that characteristic may modified aging. However, modifications different one variable another. Differences acrophases, mesors amplitudes could demonstrated. For instance, shifted magnesium, calcium, proteins some steroids, contrary, remarkably steady, adrenal melatonin. administration drugs agents diagnostic tool allowed ascertain importance structure this field. Both validity interpretation depend upon timing agent scale. temporal undergoing treatments should taken into account. One presume near future type investigation various lead an improvement desired drug effects. Thus, important changes observed serum differences localization their troughs, depending must consideration regard roles played proteins, particular binding molecules, hormones drugs.