MOSCOW, January 23. TMU scientists as part of a research team have proven that exposure to blue light on the eyes late in the day increases the likelihood of obesity. According to the authors of the work, radiation from the blue part of the spectrum from any light sources – screens of electronic devices (smartphones, laptops, TVs) or from windows – can lead to metabolic disorders. The results are presented in Biology.
Light in the blue part of the spectrum interferes with the production of the hormone melatonin, which plays a critical role in regulating the cycles of daily activity (circadian rhythms) of all living beings, said experts from Tyumen Medical University (TMU).
They explained that with such excess exposure, not only sleep patterns are affected, but also metabolism, and the body's response is determined by different variants of the melatonin receptor gene MTNR1B. The metabolism of people who have a variant of the melatonin receptor gene MTNR1B rs10830963 in their genotype is most sensitive to blue light. According to statistics, they are about half of the total number of inhabitants of the Earth.
In addition, it turned out that in carriers of this gene, with an increase in body mass index, the daily temperature dynamics and the average daily temperature level change, they said TMU.
When developing a new tool for assessing the severity of the effects of blue light on the human body, scientists from TMU and other domestic institutes found that even a small amount of blue light from any source between 21:30 and 01:00 (the period of the most active production of melatonin) is associated with an increased index body weight.
The study involved residents of the Arctic zone – Salekhard, Aksarka and Novy Urengoy on Yamal. For a week, they wore actimeters – devices that allow them to track the quality of sleep, activity level and other parameters of the body's vital functions. The devices also recorded the received light 24/7, taking into account different ranges (red-green-blue), said Denis Gubin, head of the laboratory of chronobiology and chronomedicine at the University Research Institute of Biomedical Technologies, professor of the Department of Biology of TMU.
“Based on the data obtained, we recommend turning on a blue light filter on smartphones, computers and any other electronic devices after 21 hours, and also avoiding light coming from the street. Studies have shown that even small amounts can lead to metabolic disorders, including weight,” the professor noted.
He emphasized that it is easier for a person to avoid evening light when the body has received sufficient amounts of blue light in the morning and during the day: light at this time, on the contrary, is beneficial for the body.
< br />The research was carried out in the spring; in the future, scientists intend to continue the work in other seasons. The results of winter measurements are of greatest interest, since in the Arctic this is the season with the greatest light deficit.
The work was carried out within the framework of the “Light of the Arctic” project, which is being implemented by the Tyumen Medical University with the support of the government of the Tyumen region.< br />
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