[Hinews] A research team led by Professor Kyung-Jun Park at Pusan National University Hospital’s Department of Nuclear Medicine has revealed how seasonal variations in sunlight exposure affect brain glucose metabolism and emotional function. Published in the Journal of Biological Rhythms, the study is the first to clarify the biological mechanisms underlying seasonal mood changes at the brain metabolism level, providing potential insights for depression prevention and treatment.

Conducted over five years in collaboration with Samsung Changwon Hospital, Fudan University in China, and the Turku PET Centre in Finland, the study involved 432 healthy adults who underwent two positron emission tomography (PET) scans to examine changes in brain glucose metabolism.

A study has found that seasonal changes in sunlight exposure directly affect brain emotional function and glucose metabolism. (Image provided by ClipArtKorea)
A study has found that seasonal changes in sunlight exposure directly affect brain emotional function and glucose metabolism. (Image provided by ClipArtKorea)

The findings showed that longer daylight hours correlated with significantly increased glucose uptake in brain regions associated with social and emotional processing, including the precuneus, orbitofrontal cortex, insula, and frontal pole. These emotional circuits exhibited reduced activity during winter months with shorter daylight and greater activity during summer months with extended daylight.

Professor Kyung-Jun Park, Department of Nuclear Medicine, Pusan National University Hospital
Professor Kyung-Jun Park, Department of Nuclear Medicine, Pusan National University Hospital


“Seasonal changes in sunlight exposure have a direct effect on brain function and mood,” said Professor Park. “We hope this research paves the way for a deeper understanding of seasonal affective disorder and informs new treatment approaches.”

The study represents a significant advance in understanding the biological basis of seasonal mood variations and may guide future strategies for managing depression.

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