Expression of core circadian clock genes BMAL1 and PER2 in the buccal epithelium in anxiety disorders and its association with poor sleep

Abstract

Background: The circadian system is important for understanding the complex effects of the interaction of genes and the envi ronment on daily human behavior and mental health. Our study aimed to determine the expression of the core circadian clock genes BMAL1 and PER2 in buccal epithelial cells of patients with anxiety and sleep disorders. Subjects and Methods: The study involved 20 patients with anxiety disorders, aged 26 to 55 years. Research methods included HADS, HAM-A, PSQI, MEQ, and real-time PCR quantitative genetic analysis. All respondents have been assigned into two groups: group 1 – 10 individuals with good sleep quality, and group 2 – 10 individuals with poor sleep. Results: The results of the study showed more severe anxiety syndrome, prolonged latency and more severe sleep continuity dis turbances in patients with anxiety disorders and poor sleep quality, but not more depression. The level of expression of the peripheral circadian clock genes BMAL1 and PER2 in the oral mucosa does not differ in individuals with anxiety disorders with good and poor sleep quality both in the morning and in the evening. The BMAL1 expression in patients with anxiety disorders and good sleep quality was higher in the evening than in the morning, while it did not differ in those with poor sleep quality. We have found between morning BMAL1 expression and sleep quality. Conclusions: We have demonstrated that increased BMAL1 expression in the morning may be associated with poorer sleep quality in patients with anxiety disorders.