Remdesivir shifts circadian rhythmicity to eveningness; similar to the most prevalent chronotype in ADHD

Circadian clocks control immunity and virus replication, as well as pharmacokinetics and efficacy therapeutics. The aim of this study was to investigate the extent of these relationships by measuring circadian gene expression in primary human-derived dermal fibroblast cultures (HDF) after remdesivir exposure. In the current study, we analysed circadian gene expression in a cohort of participants without a neuropsychiatric diagnosis. After ex vivo exposure to remdesivir to human dermal fibroblast (HDF) cultures and dexamethasone synchronization, the rhythmicity of circadian gene expression (Clock, Bmal1, Per1-3, Cry1) was analysed via qRT-PCR. In this study, D-MEQ scores indicated that participants without a neuropsychiatric diagnosis had no evening preference. Remdesivir leads to a slight phase-shift in Clock, Per1 and Per2. Significant different expressions of Bmal1 and Per3 were detected after remdesivir exposure: Bmal1 at ZT8 (t(22) = 3.26, p = 0.004), ZT24 (t(22) = − 2.66, p = 0.015), ZT28 (t(20) = − 2.14, p = 0.045) and Per3 at ZT8 (t(22) = − 4.27, p < 0.001) and ZT12 (t(22) = − 2.61, p = 0.016). A significant difference between chronotype and circadian gene expression for Bmal1, Cry1 and Per3 was observed. The present study shows that remdesivir has an impact on circadian function. It is well known that the circadian rhythm effects sleep and, moreover, sleep quality. The results suggest that remdesivir medication may alter sleep quality in participants without a neuropsychiatric diagnosis and shifts chronotype to eveningness; similar as prevalent in ADHD.