Altered circadian rhythm induces low grade inflammation
Table 1 displayed the effects of altered circadian rhythm on the whole blood analysis (white and red blood components) and Figure 5 the levels of systemic (serum) cytokines and desoxicortisol. The results demonstrated that policemen presented a clinical status of low grade inflammation, as demonstrated by increased levels of pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-2 comparing to civil men (Figure 5A; p<0.002) and reduced levels of anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 (Figure 5B; p<0.0001). On the other hand, no differences were found related to cellular response (Table 1), as well as for other cytokines, such as IL-17 (Figure 5C; p>0.05) and IFN-gamma (Figure 5D; p>0.05). In addition, the analysis of serum desoxicortisol, showed no differences between civil and policemen (Figure 5E; p>0.05).