Investigating epigenetic changes in shift work – a possible mechanism for its impact on health and the body clock
Shift work is a widespread feature of modern society, with EU statistics from 2015 suggesting that approximately 19% of all employees work nights at least once per month. However shift work, and night shift work in particular, is associated with a wide range of adverse health outcomes, including obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, depression and some types of cancer. The pathways by which shift work might lead to these diseases are poorly understood. Epigenetic processes are increasingly implicated at the interface between our external environment and intrinsic biological mechanisms. Through assessing the influence shift work patterns (and accompanied sleep disruption) have on epigenetic profiles, this project aimed to better understand the biological impact of these societal factors, and by investigating the effect epigenetic changes have on disease outcomes, evaluate the extent to which shift work is hazardous to health. The project then integrated findings in a causal framework, drawing on Rebecca’s expertise in molecular and epigenetic epidemiology and applying the innovative causal inference methodologies developed in the MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit at the University of Bristol. The project provided a fresh set of tools to help better understand this important public health challenge and provided a new means of embedding epigenetic research within the social sciences. The results of this project also have the potential to contribute more robust causal evidence on the biological and health effects of shift work, and make reliable recommendations for health and social policy related to the large and growing segment of the population engaged in shift work.
Outputs
Papers
- Richmond, R.C.; Bao, Yanchun; Smart, Melissa; Gorrie-Stone, Tyler; Schalkwyk, L.; Mill, J.; Davey Smith, G.; Benzeval, Michaela; Relton, C.; Kumari, Meena (September 2018) ‘P8 Investigating epigenetic differences in response to shift work: findings from Understanding Society (UK longitudinal household survey) -conference paper abstract-‘, Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health, (Suppl. 1):A64-A65). http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/jech-2018-SSMabstracts.134
