Insulin resistance induced by long-term sleep deprivation in rhesus macaques can be attenuated by <i>Bifidobacterium</i>

Abstract

Long-term sleep deprivation (SD) is a bad lifestyle habit, especially among specific occupational practitioners, characterized by circadian rhythm misalignment and abnormal sleep/wake cycles. SD is closely associated with an increased risk of metabolic disturbance, particularly obesity and insulin resistance. The incretin hormone, glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), is a critical insulin release determinant secreted by the intestinal L-cell upon food intake. Besides, the gut microbiota participates in metabolic homeostasis and regulates GLP-1 release in a circadian rhythm manner. As a commonly recognized intestinal probiotic, <i>Bifidobacterium</i> has various clinical indications regarding its curative effect. However, few studies have investigated the effect of <i>Bifidobacterium</i> supplementation on sleep disorders. In the present study, we explored the impact of long-term SD on the endocrine metabolism of rhesus monkeys and determined the effect of <i>Bifidobacterium</i> supplementation on the SD-induced metabolic status. Lipid concentrations, body weight, fast blood glucose, and insulin levels increased after SD. Furthermore, after 2 mo of long-term SD, the intravenous glucose tolerance test showed that the glucose metabolism was impaired and the insulin sensitivity decreased. Moreover, 1 mo of <i>Bifidobacterium</i> oral administration significantly reduced blood glucose and attenuated insulin resistance in rhesus macaques. Overall, our results suggested that <i>Bifidobacterium</i> might be used to alleviate SD-induced aberrant glucose metabolism and improve insulin resistance. Also, it might help in better understanding the mechanisms governing the beneficial effects of <i>Bifidobacterium</i>.<b>NEW & NOTEWORTHY</b> Our findings demonstrated that long-term sleep deprivation is closely associated with metabolic syndromes. <i>Bifidobacterium</i> administration showed a superior effect on insulin resistance caused by sleep deprivation. Overall, we provide prevention and treatment methods for long-term sleep deprivation, a bad lifestyle habit among specific occupational practitioners, such as irregular shift workers.