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Sinsky CA, Trockel MT, Dyrbye LN, Wang H, Carlasare LE, West CP, Shanafelt TD. Vacation Days Taken, Work During Vacation, and Burnout Among US Physicians. JAMA Netw Open 2024; 7:e2351635. [PMID: 38214928 PMCID: PMC10787314 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.51635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Importance Vacation has been shown to be an important restorative activity in the general population; less is known about physicians' vacation behaviors and their association with burnout and professional fulfillment. Objective To examine the number of vacation days taken per year and the magnitude of physician work while on vacation and their association with physician burnout and professional fulfillment, by individual and organizational characteristics. Design, Setting, and Participants This cross-sectional survey of US physicians was conducted between November 20, 2020, and March 23, 2021. Data analysis was performed from March to July 2023. Main Outcomes and Measures Burnout was measured using the Maslach Burnout Index, and professional fulfillment was measured using the Stanford Professional Fulfillment Index. Number of vacation days taken in the last year, time spent working on patient care and other professional tasks per typical vacation day (ie, work on vacation), electronic health record (EHR) inbox coverage while on vacation, barriers to taking vacation, and standard demographics were collected. Results Among 3024 respondents, 1790 of 3004 (59.6%), took 15 or fewer days of vacation in the last year, with 597 of 3004 (19.9%) taking 5 or fewer days. The majority, 2104 respondents (70.4%), performed patient care-related tasks on vacation, with 988 of 2988 (33.1%) working 30 minutes or more on a typical vacation day. Less than one-half of physicians (1468 of 2991 physicians [49.1%]) reported having full EHR inbox coverage while on vacation. On multivariable analysis adjusting for personal and professional factors, concern about finding someone to cover clinical responsibilities (odds ratio [OR], 0.48 [95% CI, 0.35-0.65] for quite a bit; OR, 0.30 [95% CI, 0.21-0.43] for very much) and financial concerns (OR, 0.49 [95% CI, 0.36-0.66] for quite a bit; OR, 0.38 [95% CI, 0.27-0.54] for very much) were associated with decreased likelihood of taking more than 3 weeks of vacation per year. Taking more than 3 weeks of vacation per year (OR, 0.66 [95% CI, 0.45-0.98] for 16-20 days; OR, 0.59 [95% CI, 0.40-0.86] for >20 days vs none) and having full EHR inbox coverage while on vacation (OR, 0.74; 95% CI, 0.63-0.88) were associated with lower rates of burnout on multivariable analysis, whereas spending 30 minutes or longer per vacation day on patient-related work (OR, 1.58; 95% CI, 1.22-2.04 for 30-60 minutes; OR, 1.97; 95% CI, 1.41-2.77 for 60-90 minutes; OR, 1.92; 95% CI, 1.36-2.73 for >90 minutes) was associated with higher rates of burnout. Conclusions and Relevance In this cross-sectional study of 3024 physicians, the number of vacation days taken and performing patient-related work while on vacation were associated with physician burnout. System-level efforts to ensure physicians take adequate vacation and have coverage for clinical responsibilities, including EHR inbox, may reduce physician burnout.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Lotte N Dyrbye
- School of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora
| | - Hanhan Wang
- Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, California
| | | | - Colin P West
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
- Division of Biomedical Statistics and Informatics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
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Mengelkoch S, Gassen J, Lev-Ari S, Alley JC, Schüssler-Fiorenza Rose SM, Snyder MP, Slavich GM. Multi-omics in stress and health research: study designs that will drive the field forward. Stress 2024; 27:2321610. [PMID: 38425100 PMCID: PMC11216062 DOI: 10.1080/10253890.2024.2321610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Despite decades of stress research, there still exist substantial gaps in our understanding of how social, environmental, and biological factors interact and combine with developmental stressor exposures, cognitive appraisals of stressors, and psychosocial coping processes to shape individuals' stress reactivity, health, and disease risk. Relatively new biological profiling approaches, called multi-omics, are helping address these issues by enabling researchers to quantify thousands of molecules from a single blood or tissue sample, thus providing a panoramic snapshot of the molecular processes occurring in an organism from a systems perspective. In this review, we summarize two types of research designs for which multi-omics approaches are best suited, and describe how these approaches can help advance our understanding of stress processes and the development, prevention, and treatment of stress-related pathologies. We first discuss incorporating multi-omics approaches into theory-rich, intensive longitudinal study designs to characterize, in high-resolution, the transition to stress-related multisystem dysfunction and disease throughout development. Next, we discuss how multi-omics approaches should be incorporated into intervention research to better understand the transition from stress-related dysfunction back to health, which can help inform novel precision medicine approaches to managing stress and fostering biopsychosocial resilience. Throughout, we provide concrete recommendations for types of studies that will help advance stress research, and translate multi-omics data into better health and health care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Summer Mengelkoch
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Jeffrey Gassen
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Shahar Lev-Ari
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Health Promotion, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Jenna C. Alley
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | | | | | - George M. Slavich
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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Diez GG, Martin-Subero I, Zangri RM, Kulis M, Andreu C, Blanco I, Roca P, Cuesta P, García C, Garzón J, Herradón C, Riutort M, Baliyan S, Venero C, Vázquez C. Epigenetic, psychological, and EEG changes after a 1-week retreat based on mindfulness and compassion for stress reduction in healthy adults: Study protocol of a cross-over randomized controlled trial. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0283169. [PMID: 37976257 PMCID: PMC10656013 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0283169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The main objective of the study will be to evaluate the effects of two widely used standardized mindfulness-based programs [Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) and Compassion Cultivation Training (CCT)], on epigenetic, neurobiological, psychological, and physiological variables. METHODS The programs will be offered in an intensive retreat format in a general population sample of healthy volunteer adults. During a 7-day retreat, participants will receive MBSR and CCT in a crossover design where participants complete both programs in random order. After finishing their first 3-day training with one of the two programs, participants will be assigned to the second 3-day training with the second program. The effects of the MBSR and CCT programs, and their combination, will be measured by epigenetic changes (i.e., DNA methylation biomarkers), neurobiological and psychophysiological measures (i.e., EEG resting state, EKG, respiration patterns, and diurnal cortisol slopes), self-report questionnaires belonging to different psychological domains (i.e., mindfulness, compassion, well-being, distress, and general functioning), and stress tasks (i.e., an Arithmetic Stress Test and the retrieval of negative autobiographical memories). These measures will be collected from both groups on the mornings of day 1 (pre-program), day 4 (after finishing the first program and before beginning the second program), and day 7 (post-second program). We will conduct a 3-month and a 12-month follow-up using only the set of self-report measures. DISCUSSION This study aims to shed light on the neurobiological and psychological mechanisms linked to meditation and compassion in the general population. The protocol was registered at clinicaltrials.gov (Identifier: NCT05516355; August 23, 2022).
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Affiliation(s)
- Gustavo G. Diez
- Nirakara/Lab, Madrid, Spain
- Ph.D. Program in Neuroscience, Department of Anatomy, Histology and Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Rosaria M. Zangri
- School of Psychology, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Catherine Andreu
- Polibienestar Institute, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Ivan Blanco
- School of Psychology, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Pablo Roca
- Nirakara/Lab, Madrid, Spain
- School of Psychology, Villanueva University, Madrid, Spain
| | - Pablo Cuesta
- School of Medicine, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Carola García
- Nirakara/Lab, Madrid, Spain
- Mindfulness Vivendi, Madrid, Spain
| | | | | | | | - Shishir Baliyan
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, UNED, Madrid, Spain
| | - César Venero
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, UNED, Madrid, Spain
| | - Carmelo Vázquez
- Nirakara/Lab, Madrid, Spain
- School of Psychology, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
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Zuniga-Hertz JP, Chitteti R, Dispenza J, Cuomo R, Bonds JA, Kopp EL, Simpson S, Okerblom J, Maurya S, Rana BK, Miyonahara A, Niesman IR, Maree J, Belza G, Hamilton HD, Stanton C, Gonzalez DJ, Poirier MA, Moeller-Bertram T, Patel HH. Meditation-induced bloodborne factors as an adjuvant treatment to COVID-19 disease. Brain Behav Immun Health 2023; 32:100675. [PMID: 37600600 PMCID: PMC10432704 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbih.2023.100675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Revised: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 08/06/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in significant morbidity and mortality worldwide. Management of the pandemic has relied mainly on SARS-CoV-2 vaccines, while alternative approaches such as meditation, shown to improve immunity, have been largely unexplored. Here, we probe the relationship between meditation and COVID-19 disease and directly test the impact of meditation on the induction of a blood environment that modulates viral infection. We found a significant inverse correlation between length of meditation practice and SARS-CoV-2 infection as well as accelerated resolution of symptomology of those infected. A meditation "dosing" effect was also observed. In cultured human lung cells, blood from experienced meditators induced factors that prevented entry of pseudotyped viruses for SARS-CoV-2 spike protein of both the wild-type Wuhan-1 virus and the Delta variant. We identified and validated SERPINA5, a serine protease inhibitor, as one possible protein factor in the blood of meditators that is necessary and sufficient for limiting pseudovirus entry into cells. In summary, we conclude that meditation can enhance resiliency to viral infection and may serve as a possible adjuvant therapy in the management of the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan P. Zuniga-Hertz
- Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, 3350 La Jolla Village Drive, San Diego, CA, 92161, USA
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Ramamurthy Chitteti
- Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, 3350 La Jolla Village Drive, San Diego, CA, 92161, USA
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | | | - Raphael Cuomo
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Jacqueline A. Bonds
- Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, 3350 La Jolla Village Drive, San Diego, CA, 92161, USA
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Elena L. Kopp
- Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, 3350 La Jolla Village Drive, San Diego, CA, 92161, USA
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Sierra Simpson
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Jonathan Okerblom
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Svetlana Maurya
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Brinda K. Rana
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Atsushi Miyonahara
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Ingrid R. Niesman
- San Diego State University, Electron Microscope Facility, 5500 Campanile Dr, San Diego, CA, 92182, USA
| | - Jacqueline Maree
- VitaMed Research, 44630 Monterey Ave., Palm Desert, CA, 92260, USA
| | - Gianna Belza
- Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, 3350 La Jolla Village Drive, San Diego, CA, 92161, USA
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | | | | | - David J. Gonzalez
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
- Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | | | | | - Hemal H. Patel
- Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, 3350 La Jolla Village Drive, San Diego, CA, 92161, USA
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
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Aghajanyan V, Bhupathy S, Sheikh S, Nausheen F. A Narrative Review of Telomere Length Modulation Through Diverse Yoga and Meditation Styles: Current Insights and Prospective Avenues. Cureus 2023; 15:e46130. [PMID: 37900433 PMCID: PMC10612486 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.46130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Mindfulness practices have demonstrated the potential to positively impact various aspects of human health associated with telomere length (TL) - a recognized marker of healthy aging and susceptibility to age-related diseases. This review seeks to conduct an in-depth comparative analysis, examining methodological variations, outcome assessments, strengths, weaknesses, and gaps across mindfulness-focused studies concerning TL and attrition rates. While emerging data tentatively suggest a positive connection between mindfulness practices and TL, a notable research gap pertains to establishing the clinically recommended dosage of yoga/meditation and mindfulness interventions to effectively influence TL. To address this gap, upcoming research should prioritize meticulous structuring, pedagogical precision, and vigilant monitoring of mindfulness interventions to yield psychological and physiological benefits across an appropriate timeframe and intensity. The amalgamation of yoga/meditation or mindfulness emerges as a promising avenue for enhancing the quality of life while counteracting the influence of telomere attrition in the spectrum of age-related diseases. The core objective of this review is to meticulously investigate the interplay between yoga/meditation and mindfulness practices and their potential impact on TL - an essential biomarker indicative of age-related health and well-being. To achieve this, our study methodically compares various methodological approaches, outcome measures, strengths, and limitations within relevant research endeavors focused on TL and attrition rates. Through this scrutiny, we highlight prevailing research gaps. Our analysis underscores the need for comprehensive research efforts aimed at establishing the optimal therapeutic regimen for yielding significant clinical effects on TL and overall health. In summation, our exploration emphasizes the urgency of further studies to unravel the most effective approaches for positively influencing TL and its implications for holistic health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vahe Aghajanyan
- Medical Education, California University of Science and Medicine, Colton, USA
| | - Supriya Bhupathy
- Medical Education, California University of Science and Medicine, Colton, USA
| | - Shazia Sheikh
- Medical Education, California University of Science and Medicine, Colton, USA
| | - Fauzia Nausheen
- Education, California University of Science and Medicine, Colton, USA
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Jong MC, Dahlqvist H, Lown EA, Schats W, Beckman L, Jong M. A randomized controlled pilot study assessing feasibility and safety of a wilderness program for childhood, adolescent, and young adult cancer survivors: the WAYA study. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:1504. [PMID: 37553637 PMCID: PMC10410899 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-16408-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The majority of childhood, Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) cancer survivors suffers from long-lasting health issues following cancer treatment. It is therefore critical to explore effective health promotion strategies to address their needs. Exposure to nature is a promising approach to support the needs of young cancer survivors. This study investigated whether it is feasible to conduct a randomized controlled trial (RCT) of a wilderness program for childhood and AYA cancer survivors. METHODS Eligible participants were aged 16-39 years, had a cancer diagnosis, and met minimal criteria. Seventy-one individuals expressed interest and 59 were randomized to either a wilderness or a holiday program. The wilderness program involved an 8-day expedition including backpacking, sea kayaking, gorge climbing, camping, bush-craft skills, and mindfulness-practices. It was followed by a 4-day basecamp after 3 months. The comparison was an 8-day holiday program at a Spa-hotel followed by a 4-day holiday program at the same hotel after 3 months. Primary outcome was study feasibility and safety. RESULTS Ultimately, 19 AYAs participated in the wilderness and 23 in the holiday program. All completed the study at one-year follow-up. Participants were mostly female (70%) and represented diverse cancers. Clinical characteristics were similar between study arms excepting greater age at cancer diagnosis in the wilderness program (age 19.1 vs. 12.5; p = 0.024). Program adherence and data completeness was high (> 90%) in both arms. Adverse Effects (AEs) in the wilderness vs. the holiday program were similar (Relative Risk: 1.0, 95% Confidence Interval 0.8-1.3). The most frequent AE was tiredness, all were mild to moderate in severity, and serious AEs were not reported. Nature connectedness significantly increased over time in the wilderness program participants, but not in the holiday program (p < 0.001). No differences were found between the two study arms regarding quality of life, self-esteem, or self-efficacy. CONCLUSION It is feasible to conduct a RCT and a supervised wilderness adventure is equally safe for childhood and AYA cancer survivors as a holiday program. This pilot study lays the foundation for a larger RCT to investigate the effectiveness of wilderness programs on the health of young cancer survivors. TRIAL REGISTRATION DATE AND NUMBER 18/02/2021, NCT04761042 (clinicaltrials.gov).
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Affiliation(s)
- Miek C Jong
- Department of Health Sciences, Mid Sweden University, Holmgatan 10, 851 70, Sundsvall, Sweden.
- The Arctic University of Norway, National Research Center in Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NAFKAM), Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, UiT, Hansine Hansens Veg 18, 9019, Tromsø, Norway.
| | - Heléne Dahlqvist
- Department of Health Sciences, Mid Sweden University, Holmgatan 10, 851 70, Sundsvall, Sweden
| | - E Anne Lown
- Department of Social & Behavioral Sciences, University of California San Francisco, 490 Illinois Street, SBS, Box 0612, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
| | - Winnie Schats
- Scientific Information Service, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Plesmanlaan 121, 1066 CX, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Lars Beckman
- Department of Oncology, Sundsvall Hospital, 85186, Sundsvall, Sweden
| | - Mats Jong
- Department of Health Sciences, Mid Sweden University, Holmgatan 10, 851 70, Sundsvall, Sweden
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Wu C, Feng Y. Exploring the potential of mindfulness-based therapy in the prevention and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases based on molecular mechanism studies. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1097067. [PMID: 37383106 PMCID: PMC10293639 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1097067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases (ND) have received increasing attention due to their irreversibility, but there is still no means to completely cure ND in clinical practice. Mindfulness therapy (MT), including Qigong, Tai Chi, meditation, and yoga, etc., has become an effective complementary treatment modality in solving clinical and subclinical problems due to its advantages of low side effects, less pain, and easy acceptance by patients. MT is primarily used to treat mental and emotional disorders. In recent years, evidence has shown that MT has a certain therapeutic effect on ND with a potential molecular basis. In this review, we summarize the pathogenesis and risk factors of Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), relating to telomerase activity, epigenetics, stress, and the pro-inflammatory transcription factor nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) mediated inflammatory response, and analyze the molecular mechanism basis of MT to prevent and treat ND, to provide possible explanations for the potential of MT treatments for ND.
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Giridharan S. Beyond the Mat: Exploring the Potential Clinical Benefits of Yoga on Epigenetics and Gene Expression: A Narrative Review of the Current Scientific Evidence. Int J Yoga 2023; 16:64-71. [PMID: 38204768 PMCID: PMC10775846 DOI: 10.4103/ijoy.ijoy_141_23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Yoga, an ancient practice rooted in Indian philosophy, has gained widespread popularity for its numerous physical and mental health benefits. In the recent years, there has been growing interest in understanding how yoga influences gene expression and epigenetic modifications. This narrative review investigates the molecular mechanisms, by which yoga influences gene expression, focusing on deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) methylation, and histone modifications. Research literature was sourced from various databases to select randomized clinical trials and comparative cohort studies examining yoga's impact on gene expression and epigenetic changes. Our findings suggest that yoga could exert anti-inflammatory effects, as it downregulates pro-inflammatory cytokines, soluble interleukin IL-2 receptor gene expression, and transcription factors. Yoga also boosts the innate antiviral response and brain health by enhancing natural defense genes and microRNA-29c expression. Notably, it activates telomerase, linked with cellular longevity, and promotes nitric oxide synthetase and neuroprotective gene expression, implying benefits for ocular health. In addition, yoga fosters DNA repair and cellular integrity maintenance by increasing oxoguanine glycosylase one protein and p53 gene expression. However, the diversity of yoga interventions in these studies complicates direct comparisons and broader application. The current research primarily focuses on short-term outcomes, offering a limited understanding of yoga's long-term epigenetic impacts. Future research should address these gaps by studying the enduring effects of Yoga, personalizing interventions, and contrasting techniques.
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Müller L, Di Benedetto S. Aged brain and neuroimmune responses to COVID-19: post-acute sequelae and modulatory effects of behavioral and nutritional interventions. Immun Ageing 2023; 20:17. [PMID: 37046272 PMCID: PMC10090758 DOI: 10.1186/s12979-023-00341-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023]
Abstract
Advanced age is one of the significant risk determinants for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-related mortality and for long COVID complications. The contributing factors may include the age-related dynamical remodeling of the immune system, known as immunosenescence and chronic low-grade systemic inflammation. Both of these factors may induce an inflammatory milieu in the aged brain and drive the changes in the microenvironment of neurons and microglia, which are characterized by a general condition of chronic inflammation, so-called neuroinflammation. Emerging evidence reveals that the immune privilege in the aging brain may be compromised. Resident brain cells, such as astrocytes, neurons, oligodendrocytes and microglia, but also infiltrating immune cells, such as monocytes, T cells and macrophages participate in the complex intercellular networks and multiple reciprocal interactions. Especially changes in microglia playing a regulatory role in inflammation, contribute to disturbing of the brain homeostasis and to impairments of the neuroimmune responses. Neuroinflammation may trigger structural damage, diminish regeneration, induce neuronal cell death, modulate synaptic remodeling and in this manner negatively interfere with the brain functions.In this review article, we give insights into neuroimmune interactions in the aged brain and highlight the impact of COVID-19 on the functional systems already modulated by immunosenescence and neuroinflammation. We discuss the potential ways of these interactions with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and review proposed neuroimmune mechanisms and biological factors that may contribute to the development of persisting long COVID conditions. We summarize the potential mechanisms responsible for long COVID, including inflammation, autoimmunity, direct virus-mediated cytotoxicity, hypercoagulation, mitochondrial failure, dysbiosis, and the reactivation of other persisting viruses, such as the Cytomegalovirus (CMV). Finally, we discuss the effects of various interventional options that can decrease the propagation of biological, physiological, and psychosocial stressors that are responsible for neuroimmune activation and which may inhibit the triggering of unbalanced inflammatory responses. We highlight the modulatory effects of bioactive nutritional compounds along with the multimodal benefits of behavioral interventions and moderate exercise, which can be applied as postinfectious interventions in order to improve brain health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ludmila Müller
- Center for Lifespan Psychology, Max Planck Institute for Human Development, Lentzeallee 94, 14195, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Svetlana Di Benedetto
- Center for Lifespan Psychology, Max Planck Institute for Human Development, Lentzeallee 94, 14195, Berlin, Germany
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Verdone L, Caserta M, Ben-Soussan TD, Venditti S. On the road to resilience: Epigenetic effects of meditation. VITAMINS AND HORMONES 2023; 122:339-376. [PMID: 36863800 DOI: 10.1016/bs.vh.2022.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/12/2023]
Abstract
Many environmental and lifestyle related factors may influence the physiology of the brain and body by acting on fundamental molecular pathways, such as the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA) and the immune system. For example, stressful conditions created by adverse early-life events, unhealthy habits and low socio-economic status may favor the onset of diseases linked to neuroendocrine dysregulation, inflammation and neuroinflammation. Beside pharmacological treatments used in clinical settings, much attention has been given to complementary treatments such as mind-body techniques involving meditation that rely on the activation of inner resources to regain health. At the molecular level, the effects of both stress and meditation are elicited epigenetically through a set of mechanisms that regulate gene expression as well as the circulating neuroendocrine and immune effectors. Epigenetic mechanisms constantly reshape genome activities in response to external stimuli, representing a molecular interface between organism and environment. In the present work, we aimed to review the current knowledge on the correlation between epigenetics, gene expression, stress and its possible antidote, meditation. After introducing the relationship between brain, physiology, and epigenetics, we will proceed to describe three basic epigenetic mechanisms: chromatin covalent modifications, DNA methylation and non-coding RNAs. Subsequently, we will give an overview of the physiological and molecular aspects related to stress. Finally, we will address the epigenetic effects of meditation on gene expression. The results of the studies reported in this review demonstrate that mindful practices modulate the epigenetic landscape, leading to increased resilience. Therefore, these practices can be considered valuable tools that complement pharmacological treatments when coping with pathologies related to stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Loredana Verdone
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology, National Research Council (CNR), Rome, Italy.
| | - Micaela Caserta
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology, National Research Council (CNR), Rome, Italy
| | - Tal Dotan Ben-Soussan
- Cognitive Neurophysiology Laboratory, Research Institute for Neuroscience, Education and Didactics, Patrizio Paoletti Foundation for Development and Communication, Assisi, Italy
| | - Sabrina Venditti
- Dept. of Biology and biotechnologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.
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DE Nunzio C, Nacchia A, Lombardo R, Brassetti A, Sica A, Baldassarri V, Guarnotta G, Al Salhi Y, Tuderti G, Li Marzi V, Finazzi Agrò E, Pastore A, Carbone A, Simone G, Tubaro A. Effect of vacation on urinary symptoms in health care workers: an Italian multicenter study. Minerva Urol Nephrol 2022; 74:755-760. [PMID: 33781024 DOI: 10.23736/s2724-6051.21.04274-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Aim of our study was to assess the impact of vacation on urinary symptoms in health care workers. METHODS Between March 2018 to October 2019 a survey was carried out by enrolling health care system workers in three centers. Demographic and clinical characteristics of health care workers (i.e. age, smoking status, medical history) were collected. Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and work related quality of life were assessed before and after vacation with validated questionnaires: Overactive Bladder Questionnaire Short Form (OABq-sf), International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), Work-related Quality of Life (WRQOL) and SF-36 questionnaires. As well, night shift workers (NSWs), defined as working at least one time a week from 8 pm to 8 am, were compared to traditional workers (TWs). RESULTS A total of 236 participants (118 males and 118 females) with a median of 41 (32/49 IQR) years old were included in the survey. Healthcare workers presented after vacation an improvement in LUTS, in work related quality of life and overall health. Overall, 89 (37%) were NSWs and 147 (62%) subjects were TWs. NSWs reported a significant higher median OABq Total Score and IPSS than TWs: respectively, 27 (IQR 23-34) vs. 20 (IQR 19-24) P=0.01, 2 (0/6) vs. 0 (0/2) (P<0.01). No significative differences were found for WRQOL and SF36, respectively 66 (IQR 59/77) vs. 67 (IQR 61/82) (P<0.29) and 98 (97/101) vs. 98 (97/100) (P<0.79). CONCLUSIONS NSWs present worst urinary symptoms when compared to TWs. Vacation has a beneficial effect, particularly in NSWs, on urinary symptoms and work-related quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Aldo Brassetti
- Department of Urology, Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Angela Sica
- Department of Urology, Sant'Andrea Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | - Yazan Al Salhi
- Department of Urology, Traumatological Orthopedic Surgical Institute, Latina, Italy
| | - Gabriele Tuderti
- Department of Urology, Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Li Marzi
- Department of Urology, Careggi Hospital, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | | | - Antonio Pastore
- Department of Urology, Traumatological Orthopedic Surgical Institute, Latina, Italy
| | - Antonio Carbone
- Department of Urology, Traumatological Orthopedic Surgical Institute, Latina, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Simone
- Department of Urology, Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Tubaro
- Department of Urology, Sant'Andrea Hospital, Rome, Italy
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12
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Porter N, Jason LA. Mindfulness Meditation Interventions for Long COVID: Biobehavioral Gene Expression and Neuroimmune Functioning. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat 2022; 18:2599-2626. [PMID: 36387947 PMCID: PMC9653042 DOI: 10.2147/ndt.s379653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Some individuals infected with SARS CoV-2 have developed Post-Acute Sequelae of SARS CoV-2 infection (PASC) or what has been referred to as Long COVID. Efforts are underway to find effective treatment strategies for those with Long COVID. One possible approach involves alternative medical interventions, which have been widely used to treat and manage symptoms of a variety of medical problems including post-viral infections. Meditation has been found to reduce fatigue and unrefreshing sleep, and for those with post-viral infections, it has enhanced immunity, and reduced inflammatory-driven pathogenesis. Our article summarizes the literature on what is known about mindfulness meditation interventions, and reviews evidence on how it may apply to those with Long COVID and Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS). Evidence is reviewed suggesting effective and sustainable outcomes may be achieved for symptomatology and underlying pathology of post-viral fatigue (PASC and ME/CFS).
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Porter
- Center for Community Research, DePaul University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Leonard A Jason
- Center for Community Research, DePaul University, Chicago, IL, USA
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13
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Niotis K, Akiyoshi K, Carlton C, Isaacson R. Dementia Prevention in Clinical Practice. Semin Neurol 2022; 42:525-548. [PMID: 36442814 DOI: 10.1055/s-0042-1759580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Over 55 million people globally are living with dementia and, by 2050, this number is projected to increase to 131 million. This poses immeasurable challenges for patients and their families and a significant threat to domestic and global economies. Given this public health crisis and disappointing results from disease-modifying trials, there has been a recent shift in focus toward primary and secondary prevention strategies. Approximately 40% of Alzheimer's disease (AD) cases, which is the most common form of dementia, may be prevented or at least delayed. Success of risk reduction studies through addressing modifiable risk factors, in addition to the failure of most drug trials, lends support for personalized multidomain interventions rather than a "one-size-fits-all" approach. Evolving evidence supports early intervention in at-risk patients using individualized interventions directed at modifiable risk factors. Comprehensive risk stratification can be informed by emerging principals of precision medicine, and include expanded clinical and family history, anthropometric measurements, blood biomarkers, neurocognitive evaluation, and genetic information. Risk stratification is key in differentiating subtypes of dementia and identifies targetable areas for intervention. This article reviews a clinical approach toward dementia risk stratification and evidence-based prevention strategies, with a primary focus on AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kellyann Niotis
- Department of Neurology, Weill Cornell Medicine and New York - Presbyterian, New York, New York
| | - Kiarra Akiyoshi
- Department of Neurology, Weill Cornell Medicine and New York - Presbyterian, New York, New York
| | - Caroline Carlton
- Department of Neurology, Weill Cornell Medicine and New York - Presbyterian, New York, New York
| | - Richard Isaacson
- Department of Neurology, Weill Cornell Medicine and New York - Presbyterian, New York, New York.,Department of Neurology, Florida Atlantic University, Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine, Boca Raton, Florida
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14
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Gu YQ, Zhu Y. Underlying mechanisms of mindfulness meditation: Genomics, circuits, and networks. World J Psychiatry 2022; 12:1141-1149. [PMID: 36186506 PMCID: PMC9521538 DOI: 10.5498/wjp.v12.i9.1141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2022] [Revised: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Understanding neuropsychological mechanisms of mindfulness meditation (MM) has been a hot topic in recent years. This review was conducted with the goal of synthesizing empirical relationships via the genomics, circuits and networks between MM and mental disorders. We describe progress made in assessing the effects of MM on gene expression in immune cells, with particular focus on stress-related inflammatory markers and associated biological pathways. We then focus on key brain circuits associated with mindfulness practices and effects on symptoms of mental disorders, and expand our discussion to identify three key brain networks associated with mindfulness practices including default mode network, central executive network, and salience network. More research efforts need to be devoted into identifying underlying neuropsychological mechanisms of MM on how it alleviates the symptoms of mental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying-Qi Gu
- Department of Psychology, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou 310018, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Yi Zhu
- School of Psychology, Hainan Medical University, Haikou 571199, Hainan Province, China
- Department of Psychology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou 570102, Hainan Province, China
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15
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Álvarez-López MJ, Conklin QA, Cosín-Tomás M, Shields GS, King BG, Zanesco AP, Kaliman P, Saron CD. Changes in the expression of inflammatory and epigenetic-modulatory genes after an intensive meditation retreat. COMPREHENSIVE PSYCHONEUROENDOCRINOLOGY 2022; 11:100152. [PMID: 35818436 PMCID: PMC9270205 DOI: 10.1016/j.cpnec.2022.100152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2022] [Revised: 06/12/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Meditation retreats are characterized by intensive or concentrated periods of meditation practice, commonly undertaken in a residential setting. Although research indicates that meditation training can positively influence physical and mental health outcomes, the biological consequences of meditation retreat interventions are relatively understudied. In this study, we examined the influence of a month-long, silent meditation retreat on the expression of genes involved in epigenetic modulation and immune processes. Method We assessed gene expression changes in experienced meditators attending a month-long Insight meditation retreat (n = 28), as compared to a community control group (n = 34) of experienced practitioners living their everyday lives. Blood samples were collected on day two of the retreat (Time 1) and again 3 weeks later (Time 2). Control participants were also assessed across a 3-week interval, during which they maintained their regular daily routines. Results As compared to controls, retreat participants showed differential changes in the expression of several genes involved in chromatin modulation and inflammation. The most substantive finding was downregulation of the TNF pathway in retreat participants, which was not observed in controls. Conclusions These findings indicate that meditation retreat participation may influence some of the inflammatory mechanisms involved in the development of chronic diseases, and that this style of psychosocial intervention may have therapeutic potential, particularly in experienced practitioners. Meditation retreat downregulated the TNF-a pathway, indicating lower inflammation. Retreat was associated with gene expression patterns consistent with lower inflammation. Retreats may offer a nonpharmacological approach to reducing inflammation.
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16
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Upadhyay P, Joshi A, Mishra I, Kelly L, Novack L, Hariri S, Kveraga K, Subramaniam B. Short Term Effects of Inner Engineering Completion Online Program on Stress and Well-Being Measures. Front Psychol 2022; 13:814224. [PMID: 35572309 PMCID: PMC9094408 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.814224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction The Covid-19 pandemic has been a major disruptor of routine life, resulting in increased stress and predisposing people to negative outcomes, such as insomnia, anxiety and hopelessness. Mind-body interventions have improved concentration, emotional balance, and positive emotions, with an enhanced sense of productivity, and self-confidence. We therefore hypothesized that exposure to an online mind-body intervention, “Inner Engineering Completion Online (IECO),” would reduce stress and promote well-being. Methods This prospective cohort study enrolled participants registered for the IECO courses, which for the first time were delivered remotely, online. Participants learned a 21-min meditation practice called Shambhavi Mahamudra Kriya during the course, which incorporates controlled breathing and mediation techniques. Each enrolled participant was asked to complete self-reported electronic surveys at three key time points: at the time of consent, immediately after completing IECO, and 6 weeks after IECO completion. Effects of IECO practice were assessed using four well-validated neuropsychological scales: Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), Positive Emotion/Relationship/Engagement Scale (PERMA) Profiler, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS). A Signed Rank test was used to analyze the survey data and P-values of < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results Of the 375 participants interested in participation, 164 participants were eligible. Sixty-eight participants completed surveys at all time points and were identified as compliant participants. The baseline median score for PSS in compliant participants (n = 95) was 13.5 (IQR 9, 18); immediate post-IECO median PSS score was 12 (IQR 8, 16) demonstrating a 1.5 unit decrease in PSS scores (p-value = 0.0023). Similarly, comparing PSS scores in compliant participants (n = 68) for immediate Post IECO [11.5 (IQR 8, 15.5)] to PSS scores at six weeks [8 (IQR 4.5, 12.5)] showed a statistically significant 3.5-unit decrease, indicating a reduction in stress upon routine practice of the intervention (p < 0.0001). Conclusion Incorporating the remotely delivered mind-body intervention Shambhavi Mahamudra Kriya into daily life via the IECO program over as few as 6 weeks produced a significant stress reduction, improvement in sleep quality and mindfulness. Clinical Trial Registration [ClinicalTrials.gov], identifier [NCT04189146].
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Affiliation(s)
- Preeti Upadhyay
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Brookline, MA, United States
| | - Akshaj Joshi
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Brookline, MA, United States
| | - Isha Mishra
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Brookline, MA, United States
| | - Lauren Kelly
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Brookline, MA, United States
| | - Lena Novack
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Brookline, MA, United States
| | - Sepideh Hariri
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Brookline, MA, United States
| | - Kestutis Kveraga
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Brookline, MA, United States
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17
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Gomutbutra P, Srikamjak T, Sapinun L, Kunaphanh S, Yingchankul N, Apaijai N, Shinlapawittayatorn K, Phuackchantuck R, Chattipakorn N, Chattipakorn S. Effect of intensive weekend mindfulness-based intervention on BDNF, mitochondria function, and anxiety. A randomized, crossover clinical trial. COMPREHENSIVE PSYCHONEUROENDOCRINOLOGY 2022; 11:100137. [PMID: 35757176 PMCID: PMC9216335 DOI: 10.1016/j.cpnec.2022.100137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Revised: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The previous metanalysis found that Mind-body intervention (MBI) improves neuropsychologic well-being and may increase brain-derived growth factor (BDNF). BDNF is a neurotrophic factor related to neuroplasticity. Objective To evaluate the effect of the short intensive MBI compared to control-relaxation on Site on BDNF and examine if this change is related to mitochondria function or stress-related neurohormonal activity. Methods Randomized, controlled, two-period cross-over trial conducted in a medical center in Thailand. Healthy-meditation naive Nurse and Occupational Therapy Students, 23 assigned randomly to MBI, and 24 relaxations at the site for 8 h during the weekend. The wash-out period was three months between the two periods. All volunteers took the blood test for BDNF, mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS), Cortisol, and Heart rate variability (HRV) measurement before and Visual Analogue Scale for Anxiety (VAS-A), forward and backward digit span after each period. Results A total of 40 participants finished the trials. The cross over trial analysis showed a significant treatment effect between MBI and Relaxation on-site for the mean VAS-A as 9.89 (95% CI 4.81 to 19.47; P = 0.001), serum BDNF as 1.24 (95% CI 0.16 to 2.32; P = 0.04), and OXPHOS complex-1 was decreased 0.41 (95% CI 0.03–0.29 p = 0.03). There were no significant differences for digit span, cortisol, and HRV. Conclusion In healthy meditation naïve females, even a short period of MBI may increase serum BDNF and reduce anxiety more than relaxation on-site. The more reduction of OXPHOS complex-1 in the mindfulness group suggests oxidative stress may be a more sensitive indicator than stress-related neurohormonal activity. The effects of a short, intensive mindfulness session are scarce. Brain-derived growth factor (BDNF) is impacted by mindfulness-based intervention. The results indicate that mindfulness practice increased BDNF. This can be applied to the promotion of women's health.
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18
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The effect of mindfulness-based interventions on immunity-related biomarkers: a comprehensive meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. Clin Psychol Rev 2022; 92:102124. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cpr.2022.102124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2021] [Revised: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 01/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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19
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Lee JS, Jaini PA, Papa F. An Epigenetic Perspective on Lifestyle Medicine for Depression: Implications for Primary Care Practice. Am J Lifestyle Med 2022; 16:76-88. [PMID: 35185430 PMCID: PMC8848122 DOI: 10.1177/1559827620954779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2020] [Revised: 07/17/2020] [Accepted: 08/13/2020] [Indexed: 06/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Depression is the most common presenting mental health disorder in primary care. It is also a major contributor to somatic complaints, worsening of chronic medical conditions, poor quality of life, and suicide. Current pharmacologic and psychotherapeutic approaches avert less than half of depression's cumulative burden on society. However, there is a growing body of research describing both how maladaptive lifestyle choices contribute to the development and worsening of depression and how lifestyle-oriented medical interventions can reduce the incidence and severity of depression. This research, largely derived from an emerging field called epigenetics, elucidates the interactions between our lifestyle choices and those epigenetic factors which mediate our tendencies toward either health, or the onset, if not worsening of disease. The present review highlights how lifestyle choices involving diet, physical activity, sleep, social relationships, and stress influence epigenetic processes positively or negatively, and thereby play a significant role in determining whether one does or does not suffer from depression. The authors propose that medical training programs consider and adopt lifestyle medicine oriented instructional initiatives that will enable tomorrow's primary care providers to more effectively identify and therapeutically intervene in the maladaptive choices contributing to their patients' depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenny Sunghyun Lee
- Jenny Sunghyun Lee, Department of Preventive Medicine, Loma Linda University Medical School, 24785 Stewart Street, Loma Linda, CA 92350; e-mail:
| | - Paresh Atu Jaini
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Loma Linda University Medical School, Loma Linda, California (JSL)
- Department of Psychiatry, John Peter Smith Hospital, Fort Worth, Texas (PAJ)
- Department of Medical Education, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, Texas (FP)
| | - Frank Papa
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Loma Linda University Medical School, Loma Linda, California (JSL)
- Department of Psychiatry, John Peter Smith Hospital, Fort Worth, Texas (PAJ)
- Department of Medical Education, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, Texas (FP)
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20
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Castle RD, Williams MA, Bushell WC, Rindfleisch JA, Peterson CT, Marzolf J, Brouwer K, Mills PJ. Implications for Systemic Approaches to COVID-19: Effect Sizes of Remdesivir, Tocilizumab, Melatonin, Vitamin D3, and Meditation. J Inflamm Res 2021; 14:4859-4876. [PMID: 34588793 PMCID: PMC8473718 DOI: 10.2147/jir.s323356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2021] [Accepted: 08/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction COVID-19 poses a chronic threat to inflammatory systems, reinforcing the need for efficient anti-inflammatory strategies. The purpose of this review and analysis was to determine the efficacy of various interventions upon the inflammatory markers most affected by COVID-19. The focus was on the markers associated with COVID-19, not the etiology of the virus itself. Methods Based on 27 reviewed papers, information was extracted on the effects of COVID-19 upon inflammatory markers, then the effects of standard treatments (Remdesivir, Tocilizumab) and adjunctive interventions (vitamin D3, melatonin, and meditation) were extracted for those markers. These data were used to approximate effect sizes for the disease or interventions via standardized mean differences (SMD). Results The data that were available indicated that adjunctive interventions affected 68.4% of the inflammatory markers impacted by COVID-19, while standard pharmaceutical medication affected 26.3%. Discussion Nonstandard adjunctive care appeared to have comparable or superior effects in comparison to Remdesivir and Tocilizumab on the inflammatory markers most impacted by COVID-19. Alongside standards of care, melatonin, vitamin D3, and meditation should be considered for treatment of SARS-COV-2 infection and COVID-19 disease. ![]()
Point your SmartPhone at the code above. If you have a QR code reader the video abstract will appear. Or use: https://youtu.be/2i2QG5lT0JI
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan D Castle
- Science Division, Whole Health Institute, Bentonville, AR, USA
| | - Michelle A Williams
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - J Adam Rindfleisch
- Education Department, Whole Health School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Bentonville, AR, USA
| | - Christine Tara Peterson
- Center of Excellence for Research and Training in Integrative Health, Department of Family Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - James Marzolf
- Health Sector Finance & Policy, Whole Health Institute, Bentonville, AR, USA
| | - Kimberly Brouwer
- Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity Science, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Paul J Mills
- Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity Science, Center of Excellence for Research and Training in Integrative Health, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA
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21
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Hüttenrauch M, Lopez-Noguerola JS, Castro-Obregón S. Connecting Mind-Body Therapy-Mediated Effects to Pathological Features of Alzheimer's Disease. J Alzheimers Dis 2021; 82:S65-S90. [PMID: 33044183 DOI: 10.3233/jad-200743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a complex, multifactorial neurodegenerative disorder that represents a major and increasing global health challenge. In most cases, the first clinical symptoms of AD are preceded by neuropathological changes in the brain that develop years to decades before their onset. Therefore, research in the last years has focused on this preclinical stage of AD trying to discover intervention strategies that might, if implemented effectively, delay or prevent disease progression. Among those strategies, mind-body therapies such as yoga and meditation have gained increasing interest as complementary alternative interventions. Several studies have reported a positive impact of yoga and meditation on brain health in both healthy older adults and dementia patients. However, the underlying neurobiological mechanisms contributing to these effects are currently not known in detail. More specifically, it is not known whether yogic interventions, directly or indirectly, can modulate risk factors or pathological mechanisms involved in the development of dementia. In this article, we first review the literature on the effects of yogic practices on outcomes such as cognitive functioning and neuropsychiatric symptoms in patients with mild cognitive impairment and dementia. Then, we analyze how yogic interventions affect different risk factors as well as aspects of AD pathophysiology based on observations of studies in healthy individuals or subjects with other conditions than dementia. Finally, we integrate this evidence and propose possible mechanisms that might explain the positive effects of yogic interventions in cognitively impaired individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melanie Hüttenrauch
- División de Neurosciencias, Instituto de Fisiología Celular, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Ciudad Universitaria, Ciudad de México, México
| | - José Sócrates Lopez-Noguerola
- Área Académica de Gerontología, Instituto de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Hidalgo, Pachuca de Soto, México
| | - Susana Castro-Obregón
- División de Neurosciencias, Instituto de Fisiología Celular, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Ciudad Universitaria, Ciudad de México, México
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22
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Ng TKS, Slowey PD, Beltran D, Ho RCM, Kua EH, Mahendran R. Effect of mindfulness intervention versus health education program on salivary Aβ-42 levels in community-dwelling older adults with mild cognitive impairment: A randomized controlled trial. J Psychiatr Res 2021; 136:619-625. [PMID: 33199051 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2020.10.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2020] [Revised: 10/26/2020] [Accepted: 10/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Few randomized controlled trials have investigated the effects of mindfulness intervention on older adults diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Specifically, scarce literature exists on the potential benefits of mindfulness intervention on biomarkers representing AD hallmarks. Our previous studies showed the potential of Mindful Awareness Practice (MAP) in improving multiple biomarkers of gut microbiota, systemic inflammation, and synaptic functions. Extending these findings, in this study, we conducted analysis on bio-banked saliva samples, examining whether MAP improved salivary amyloid beta-42 (Aβ-42) levels in community-dwelling older adults diagnosed with MCI. We also explored the moderating role of education level, an indicator of cognitive reserve, on intervention effect. METHODS A total of 55 community-dwelling older adults diagnosed with MCI were randomized into either the treatment arm, MAP, or the active control arm, the health education program (HEP). Interventions were performed for a total of nine months. Field and laboratory investigators who were blinded to the treatment allocations collected saliva samples at baseline, 3-month, and 9-month follow-ups. Salivary Aβ-42 levels were quantified using a commercial assay. Linear-mixed models were used to examine the effect of MAP on salivary Aβ-42 levels. RESULTS Compared to the HEP arm, MAP participants had no significantly modified Aβ-42 levels throughout the 9-month intervention period, regardless of subgroup analyses stratified by either sex or MCI-subtypes (amnestic and non-amnestic). Exploring the moderating effect of education, participants in the HEP arm with higher education levels had significantly lower salivary Aβ-42 at 3-month time-point. DISCUSSION Taken together with our previous findings and other mindfulness interventional studies failing to find a significant effect on peripheral Aβ-42, we conclude the non-significant effects of mindfulness intervention on ameliorating peripheral Aβ-42 levels. Conversely, participants in the HEP arm with higher cognitive reserve had significantly improved salivary Aβ-42, highlighting the role of cognitive reserve in moderating treatment response in MCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ted Kheng Siang Ng
- Department of Psychological Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore.
| | - Paul D Slowey
- Oasis Diagnostics® Corporation, Vancouver, WA, USA; Central South University, Changsha, China
| | | | - Roger C M Ho
- Department of Psychological Medicine, National University Hospital, Singapore; Biomedical Global Institute of Healthcare Research & Technology (BIGHEART), National University of Singapore, Singapore; Center of Excellence in Behavioral Medicine, Nguyen Tat Thanh University, Faculty of Education, Huaibei Normal University, Vietnam, China
| | - Ee Heok Kua
- Department of Psychological Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore; Department of Psychological Medicine, National University Hospital, Singapore
| | - Rathi Mahendran
- Department of Psychological Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore; Department of Psychological Medicine, National University Hospital, Singapore; Academic Development Department, Duke-NUS Medical School, 8 College Road, Singapore
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Transcriptomics of Long-Term Meditation Practice: Evidence for Prevention or Reversal of Stress Effects Harmful to Health. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2021; 57:medicina57030218. [PMID: 33804348 PMCID: PMC8001870 DOI: 10.3390/medicina57030218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Revised: 01/24/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Stress can overload adaptive mechanisms, leading to epigenetic effects harmful to health. Research on the reversal of these effects is in its infancy. Early results suggest some meditation techniques have health benefits that grow with repeated practice. This study focused on possible transcriptomic effects of 38 years of twice-daily Transcendental Meditation® (TM®) practice. Materials and Methods: First, using Illumina® BeadChip microarray technology, differences in global gene expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were sought between healthy practitioners and tightly matched controls (n = 12, age 65). Second, these microarray results were verified on a subset of genes using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and were validated using qPCR in larger TM and control groups (n = 45, age 63). Bioinformatics investigation employed Ingenuity® Pathway Analysis (IPA®), DAVID, Genomatix, and R packages. Results: The 200 genes and loci found to meet strict criteria for differential expression in the microarray experiment showed contrasting patterns of expression that distinguished the two groups. Differential expression relating to immune function and energy efficiency were most apparent. In the TM group, relative to the control, all 49 genes associated with inflammation were downregulated, while genes associated with antiviral and antibody components of the defense response were upregulated. The largest expression differences were shown by six genes related to erythrocyte function that appeared to reflect a condition of lower energy efficiency in the control group. Results supporting these gene expression differences were obtained with qPCR-measured expression both in the well-matched microarray groups and in the larger, less well-matched groups. Conclusions: These findings are consistent with predictions based on results from earlier randomized trials of meditation and may provide evidence for stress-related molecular mechanisms underlying reductions in anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), cardiovascular disease (CVD), and other chronic disorders and diseases.
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Blasche G, deBloom J, Chang A, Pichlhoefer O. Is a meditation retreat the better vacation? effect of retreats and vacations on fatigue, emotional well-being, and acting with awareness. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0246038. [PMID: 33556137 PMCID: PMC7869997 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0246038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2020] [Accepted: 01/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
It is well established that leisure vacations markedly improve well-being, but that these effects are only of short duration. The present study aimed to investigate whether vacation effects would be more lasting if individuals practiced meditation during the leisure episode. Meditation is known to improve well-being durably, among others, by enhancing the mental faculty of mindfulness. In this aim, leisure vacations during which individuals practiced meditation to some extent were compared with holidays not including any formal meditation practice as well as with meditation retreats (characterized by intense meditation practice) utilizing a naturalistic observational design. Fatigue, well-being, and mindfulness were assessed ten days before, ten days after, and ten weeks after the stays in a sample of 120 individuals accustomed to meditation practices. To account for differences in the experience of these stays, recovery experiences were additionally assessed. Ten days after the stay, there were no differences except for an increase in mindfulness for those practicing meditation. Ten weeks after the stay, meditation retreats and vacations including meditation were associated with greater increases in mindfulness, lower levels of fatigue, and higher levels of well-being than an "ordinary" vacation during which meditation was not practiced. The finding suggests that the inclusion of meditation practice during vacation could help alleviate vacations' greatest pitfall, namely the rapid decline of its positive effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerhard Blasche
- Department of Environmental Health, Center for Public Health, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- * E-mail:
| | - Jessica deBloom
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
- Faculty of Economics & Business, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Adrienne Chang
- Department of Sociology and Gerontology, Miami University, Miamí, Florida, United States of America
| | - Otto Pichlhoefer
- Department of General Practice and Family Medicine, Center for Public Health, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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Wagner MA, Wesmiller SW, Maydick M, Gawron LM, Peterson-Burch FM, Conley YP. Symptom Science: Omics and Response to Non-Pharmacological Interventions. Biol Res Nurs 2020; 23:394-401. [PMID: 33267608 DOI: 10.1177/1099800420975205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Incorporating omics into non-pharmacological intervention research design could provide a better understanding of the variability in response to these interventions. It would also provide evidence for precision-based non-pharmacological interventions, including interventions focused on symptoms. The purpose of this manuscript was to present examples of studies that have used omics to examine response to non-pharmacological intervention. Using the interventions of exercise, diet (related to obesity), cognitive based therapy, and alternative mind-body practices (meditation, yoga, and tai chi), PubMed was searched to identify studies that incorporated genomic or other omic approaches as part of a non-pharmacological intervention. The review identified genes associated with the effectiveness of each of the interventions. Although there were no genes that were associated with all four interventions, there were nine genes that were the focus of more than one intervention (ACE, BDNF, COMT, CXCL8, IL6, SL6A4, TNF, GSTM1, PTGER3). All nine of these genes were either directly or indirectly biologically related to one another, suggesting that this cadre of genes could serve as an initiation point for investigations using omic approaches to better understand response to non-pharmacological interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Lisa M Gawron
- School of Nursing, 6614University of Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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Gomutbutra P, Yingchankul N, Chattipakorn N, Chattipakorn S, Srisurapanont M. The Effect of Mindfulness-Based Intervention on Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF): A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Controlled Trials. Front Psychol 2020; 11:2209. [PMID: 33041891 PMCID: PMC7522212 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2020.02209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2020] [Accepted: 08/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: This systematic review aims to answer three questions. First, how much do mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) affect peripheral brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)? Second, do mindfulness exercise-based interventions (exercise-MBIs) and mindfulness meditation-based interventions (meditation-MBIs) affect peripheral BDNF differently? Third, does the age of participants and the accumulative hours of MBI practice affect peripheral BDNF? Methods: We included randomized controlled trials comparing MBI and no intervention in adults (age >18 years) who reported peripheral BDNF. Database searches included PubMed, CINAHL, CENTRAL, PsyInfo, and Scopus. Two reviewers independently selected the studies and assessed the trial quality. We used the standardized mean difference (SMD) as the effect size index and conducted moderator analyses. Results: Eleven studies are included in this systematic review. Five studies applying exercise-MBI and three studies applying meditation-MBI are included in the meta-analysis (N = 479). The pooled effect size shows a significantly greater increase of peripheral BDNF in MBI groups compared to the control groups (k = 8, N = 479, SMD = 0.72, 95% CI 0.31-1.14, I 2= 78%). Significantly more increases of BDNF in the MBI groups are found in both subgroups of exercise-MBI and meditation-MBI. The effect sizes of both subgroups are not significantly different between subgroups (χ2 = 0.02, p = 0.88). We find no significant correlation between the effect sizes and the age of participants (r = -0.0095, p = 0.45) or accumulative hours of MBI practice (r = 0.0021, p = 0.57). Conclusion: The heterogeneous data of this small sample-size meta-analysis suggests that MBI can increase peripheral BDNF. Either exercise-MBI or meditation-MBI can increase peripheral BDNF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patama Gomutbutra
- Department of Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand.,The Northern Neuroscience Center, Faculty of Medicine Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Nalinee Yingchankul
- Department of Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Nipon Chattipakorn
- Center of Excellence in Cardiac Electrophysiology Research, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Siriporn Chattipakorn
- Center of Excellence in Cardiac Electrophysiology Research, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand.,Department of Oral Biology and Diagnostic Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Manit Srisurapanont
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
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Dyer NL, Borden S, Dusek JA, Khalsa SBS. A 3-Day residential yoga-based program improves education professionals' psychological and occupational health in a single arm trial. Explore (NY) 2020; 17:513-520. [PMID: 32919893 DOI: 10.1016/j.explore.2020.08.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2020] [Revised: 08/24/2020] [Accepted: 08/29/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study examined changes in psychological and occupational health in urban education professionals after attending a brief yoga-based program. METHODS Education professionals from the New York City Department of Education (NYC DOE) who were attending a residential 3-day yoga-based program at Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health were recruited to participate in the study. Measures of psychological and occupational health and health-related behaviors were completed before (baseline), after (post), and two months after the program (follow-up). Paired samples t-tests were used to compare scores between time points. RESULTS At post, participants (N = 74) showed improvements in stress, resilience, affect, mindfulness, empowerment, self-compassion, satisfaction with life, work engagement, burnout, exercise, and vegetable intake (all p values < 0.05) compared to baseline. At the follow-up (N = 33), showed improvements in resilience, affect, mindfulness, empowerment, self-compassion, work engagement, and burnout (all p values < 0.05) compared to baseline. There were significant correlations between the degree of home practice of the skills and techniques learned in the program and improvements in multiple measures of psychological and occupational health at follow-up (all p values < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that the yoga-based program improves psychological and occupational health and healthy behaviors in education professionals immediately following the program and up to two-months following the program, however, more data with larger sample sizes are needed to confirm sustained benefits over the longer term.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sara Borden
- Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health, Stockbridge MA, USA
| | | | - Sat Bir S Khalsa
- Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston MA, USA
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28
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Venditti S, Verdone L, Reale A, Vetriani V, Caserta M, Zampieri M. Molecules of Silence: Effects of Meditation on Gene Expression and Epigenetics. Front Psychol 2020; 11:1767. [PMID: 32849047 PMCID: PMC7431950 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2020.01767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2020] [Accepted: 06/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Many studies have consistently demonstrated an epigenetic link between environmental stimuli and physiological as well as cognitive responses. Epigenetic mechanisms represent a way to regulate gene activity in real time without modifying the DNA sequence, thus allowing the genome to adapt its functions to changing environmental contexts. Factors such as lifestyle, behavior, and the practice of sitting and moving mindful activities have been shown to be important means of environmental enrichment. Such practices, which include mindfulness meditation, Vipassana, Yoga, Tai Chi, and Quadrato Motor Training, have been reported to positively impact well-being. In fact, they can be considered emotional and attentional regulatory activities, which, by inducing a state of greater inner silence, allow the development of increased self-awareness. Inner silence can therefore be considered a powerful tool to counteract the negative effects of overabundant environmental noise, thanks to its power to relieve stress-related symptoms. Since all these positive outcomes rely on physiological and biochemical activities, the molecular and epigenetic mechanisms influenced by different mindful practices have recently started to be investigated. Here, we review some of the findings that could allow us to uncover the mechanisms by which specific practices influence well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina Venditti
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "Charles Darwin", Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Loredana Verdone
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology, National Council of Research (CNR), Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Reale
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Valerio Vetriani
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "Charles Darwin", Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Micaela Caserta
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology, National Council of Research (CNR), Rome, Italy
| | - Michele Zampieri
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
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Shen H, Chen M, Cui D. Biological mechanism study of meditation and its application in mental disorders. Gen Psychiatr 2020; 33:e100214. [PMID: 32695961 PMCID: PMC7359050 DOI: 10.1136/gpsych-2020-100214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2020] [Revised: 05/08/2020] [Accepted: 06/09/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent years, research on meditation as an important alternative therapy has developed rapidly and been widely applied in clinical medicine. Mechanism studies of meditation have also developed progressively, showing that meditation has great impact on brain structure and function, and epigenetic and telomere regulation. In line with this, the application of meditation has gradually been expanded to mental illness, most often applied for major depressive disorders and substance-related and addictive disorders. The focus of this paper is to illustrate the biological mechanisms of meditation and its application in mental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Shen
- Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Meijuan Chen
- Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Donghong Cui
- Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Psychotic Disorders, Shanghai, China
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30
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Bushell W, Castle R, Williams MA, Brouwer KC, Tanzi RE, Chopra D, Mills PJ. Meditation and Yoga Practices as Potential Adjunctive Treatment of SARS-CoV-2 Infection and COVID-19: A Brief Overview of Key Subjects. J Altern Complement Med 2020; 26:547-556. [PMID: 32579021 DOI: 10.1089/acm.2020.0177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Editor's Note: As an acute condition quickly associated with multiple chronic susceptibilities, COVID-19 has rekindled interest in, and controversy about, the potential role of the host in disease processes. While hundreds of millions of research dollars have been funneled into drug and vaccine solutions that target the external agent, integrative practitioners tuned to enhancing immunity faced a familiar mostly unfunded task. First, go to school on the virus. Then draw from the global array of natural therapies and practices with host-enhancing or anti-viral capabilities to suggest integrative treatment strategies. The near null-set of conventional treatment options propels this investigation. In this paper, researchers from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, University of California-San Diego, Chopra Library for Integrative Studies, and Harvard University share one such exploration. Their conclusion, that "certain meditation, yoga asana (postures), and pranayama (breathing) practices may possibly be effective adjunctive means of treating and/or preventing SARS-CoV-2 infection" underscores the importance of this rekindling. At JACM, we are pleased to have the opportunity to publish this work. We hope that it might help diminish in medicine and health the polarization that, like so much in the broader culture, seems to be an obstacle to healing. -John Weeks, Editor-in-Chief, JACM.
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Affiliation(s)
- William Bushell
- Biophysical/Medical Anthropology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA.,Chopra Library for Integrative Studies, Whole Health Institute, Bentonville, AK, USA
| | - Ryan Castle
- Chopra Library for Integrative Studies, Whole Health Institute, Bentonville, AK, USA
| | - Michelle A Williams
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Kimberly C Brouwer
- Division of Global Health, Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Department of Family Medicine and Public Health, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Rudolph E Tanzi
- Department of Neurology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Deepak Chopra
- Chopra Library for Integrative Studies, Whole Health Institute, Bentonville, AK, USA.,Department of Family Medicine and Public Health, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Paul J Mills
- Department of Family Medicine and Public Health, Center of Excellence for Integrative Health, Institute for Public Health, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
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Schnaubelt S, Hammer A, Koller L, Niederdoeckl J, Kazem N, Spiel A, Niessner A, Sulzgruber P. Expert Opinion: Meditation and Cardiovascular Health: What is the Link? Eur Cardiol 2020; 14:161-164. [PMID: 31933684 PMCID: PMC6950207 DOI: 10.15420/ecr.2019.21.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2019] [Accepted: 10/02/2019] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Meditation as a form of body–mind interaction for primary and secondary prevention in cardiovascular disease has been discussed critically in the past. However, data that aimed to link this intervention to a reduction of various aspects of cardiovascular disease, rendering it a potential part of a cost-effective treatment approach in patients at risk, remain scarce and inconclusive. This article aims to provide an overview of currently available evidence in the literature and the potential impact of meditation on cardiovascular health. However, the data highlighted in this article cannot render with certainty directly reproducible effects of meditation on patients’ cardiovascular disease profiles. Meditation may be suggested only as an additional link in the chain of primary and secondary prevention until future research provides sufficient data on this topic.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Andreas Hammer
- Department of Medicine II, Division of Cardiology, Medical University of Vienna Austria
| | - Lorenz Koller
- Department of Medicine II, Division of Cardiology, Medical University of Vienna Austria
| | - Jan Niederdoeckl
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Medical University of Vienna Austria
| | - Niema Kazem
- Department of Medicine II, Division of Cardiology, Medical University of Vienna Austria
| | - Alexander Spiel
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Medical University of Vienna Austria
| | - Alexander Niessner
- Department of Medicine II, Division of Cardiology, Medical University of Vienna Austria
| | - Patrick Sulzgruber
- Department of Medicine II, Division of Cardiology, Medical University of Vienna Austria
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Venkatesh HN, Ravish H, Wilma Delphine Silvia CR, Srinivas H. Molecular Signature of the Immune Response to Yoga Therapy in Stress-related Chronic Disease Conditions: An Insight. Int J Yoga 2020; 13:9-17. [PMID: 32030016 PMCID: PMC6937878 DOI: 10.4103/ijoy.ijoy_82_18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The world Health Organization defines health as complete well-being in terms of physical, mental and social, and not merely the absence of disease. To attain this, individual should adapt and self-mange the social, physical and emotional challenges of life. Exposure to chronic stress due to urbanization, work stress, nuclear family, pollution, unhealthy food habits, lifestyle, accidental death in the family, and natural calamities are the triggering factors, leading to hormonal imbalance and inflammation in the tissue. The relationship between stress and illness is complex; all chronic illnesses such as cardiovascular disease and asthma have their root in chronic stress attributed by inflammation. In recent times, yoga therapy has emerged as an important complementary alternative medicine for many human diseases. Yoga therapy has a positive impact on mind and body; it acts by incorporating appropriate breathing techniques and mindfulness to attain conscious direction of our awareness of the present moment by meditation, which helps achieve harmony between the body and mind. Studies have also demonstrated the important regulatory effects of yoga therapy on brain structure and functions. Despite these advances, the cellular and molecular mechanisms by which yoga therapy renders its beneficial effects are inadequately known. A growing body of evidence suggests that yoga therapy has immunomodulatory effects. However, the precise mechanistic basis has not been addressed empirically. In this review, we have attempted to highlight the effect of yoga therapy on immune system functioning with an aim to identify important immunological signatures that index the effect of yoga therapy. Toward this, we have summarized the available scientific evidence showing positive impacts of yoga therapy. Finally, we have emphasized the efficacy of yoga in improving physical and mental well-being. Yoga has been a part of Indian culture and tradition for long; now, the time has come to scientifically validate this and implement this as an alternative treatment method for stress-related chronic disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- H N Venkatesh
- Department of Human Genetics, NIMHANS, Bangalore, India
| | - H Ravish
- Department of Neurochemistry, NIMHANS, Bangalore, India
| | - C R Wilma Delphine Silvia
- Department of Biochemistry, Bowring and Lady Curzon Medical College and Research Institute, Bangalore, India
| | - H Srinivas
- Department of Biochemistry, Maulana Azad Medical College, New Delhi, India
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Exploring Epigenetic Age in Response to Intensive Relaxing Training: A Pilot Study to Slow Down Biological Age. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:ijerph16173074. [PMID: 31450859 PMCID: PMC6747190 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16173074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2019] [Revised: 08/14/2019] [Accepted: 08/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
DNA methylation (DNAm) is an emerging estimator of biological aging, i.e., the often-defined "epigenetic clock", with a unique accuracy for chronological age estimation (DNAmAge). In this pilot longitudinal study, we examine the hypothesis that intensive relaxing training of 60 days in patients after myocardial infarction and in healthy subjects may influence leucocyte DNAmAge by turning back the epigenetic clock. Moreover, we compare DNAmAge with another mechanism of biological age, leucocyte telomere length (LTL) and telomerase. DNAmAge is reduced after training in healthy subjects (p = 0.053), but not in patients. LTL is preserved after intervention in healthy subjects, while it continues to decrease in patients (p = 0.051). The conventional negative correlation between LTL and chronological age becomes positive after training in both patients (p < 0.01) and healthy subjects (p < 0.05). In our subjects, DNAmAge is not associated with LTL. Our findings would suggest that intensive relaxing practices influence different aging molecular mechanisms, i.e., DNAmAge and LTL, with a rejuvenating effect. Our study reveals that DNAmAge may represent an accurate tool to measure the effectiveness of lifestyle-based interventions in the prevention of age-related diseases.
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Hruska B, Pressman SD, Bendinskas K, Gump BB. Vacation frequency is associated with metabolic syndrome and symptoms. Psychol Health 2019; 35:1-15. [PMID: 31204484 DOI: 10.1080/08870446.2019.1628962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Objective: To examine the extent to which vacationing behavior is associated with metabolic outcomes. Specifically, we consider how total vacation episodes and total vacation days from the past 12 months relate to metabolic syndrome and metabolic symptoms.Design: Sixty-three workers eligible for paid vacation attended a lab visit during which their blood was drawn and they completed an interview assessing vacationing behavior in the past 12 months.Main outcome measures: Metabolic syndrome and metabolic symptoms are the main outcome measures.Results: Over the past 12 months, participants took approximately five vacations (M = 5.44, SD = 3.16) and used about 2 weeks of their paid vacation days (M = 13.80, SD = 7.25). Participants rated vacations positively, expressing low levels of travel-, childcare- and financial burden-related stress. As vacation episodes increased, metabolic syndrome incidence (OR = 0.76, p = 0.051) and number of metabolic symptoms met (IRR = 0.92, p = 0.035) decreased. Notably, risk for metabolic syndrome decreased by nearly a quarter with each additional vacation taken by participants.Conclusions: Overall, vacations are experienced as positive events. This positive subjective experience may translate into physical health benefits given that vacation frequency may protect against metabolic syndrome and symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bryce Hruska
- Department of Public Health, David B. Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY, USA
| | - Sarah D Pressman
- School of Social Ecology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Kestutis Bendinskas
- Department of Chemistry, State University of New York at Oswego, Oswego NY, USA
| | - Brooks B Gump
- Department of Public Health, David B. Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY, USA
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35
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Bland JS. What is Evidence-Based Functional Medicine in the 21st Century? Integr Med (Encinitas) 2019; 18:14-18. [PMID: 32549804 PMCID: PMC7217393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The 21st century has already demonstrated itself to be an era of change for medicine and science. There is a new openness-to ideas, to a shift in perspectives, to a redefinition of evidence and the many ways it can be gathered. New interest in real-world data, patient-experience information has also become an increasingly important contributor to the evaluation of treatment effectiveness. It is a fertile time on many fronts, including an expanded reach for a systems biology formalism and the Functional Medicine movement.
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE There has been substantial research and public interest in mindfulness interventions, biological pathways, and health for the past two decades. This article reviews recent developments in understanding relationships between mindfulness interventions and physical health. METHODS A selective review was conducted with the goal of synthesizing conceptual and empirical relationships between mindfulness interventions and physical health outcomes. RESULTS Initial randomized controlled trials in this area suggest that mindfulness interventions can improve pain management outcomes among chronic pain populations, and there is preliminary evidence for mindfulness interventions improving specific stress-related disease outcomes in some patient populations (i.e., clinical colds, psoriasis, irritable bowel syndrome, posttraumatic stress disorder, diabetes, HIV). We offer a stress-buffering framework for the observed beneficial effects of mindfulness interventions and summarize supporting biobehavioral and neuroimaging studies that provide plausible mechanistic pathways linking mindfulness interventions with positive physical health outcomes. CONCLUSIONS We conclude with new opportunities for research and clinical implementations to consider in the next two decades.
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Kwak S, Lee TY, Jung WH, Hur JW, Bae D, Hwang WJ, Cho KIK, Lim KO, Kim SY, Park HY, Kwon JS. The Immediate and Sustained Positive Effects of Meditation on Resilience Are Mediated by Changes in the Resting Brain. Front Hum Neurosci 2019; 13:101. [PMID: 30983980 PMCID: PMC6448020 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2019.00101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2018] [Accepted: 03/05/2019] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
While recent studies have explored the maintenance of the effect of meditation on stress resilience, the underlying neural mechanisms have not yet been investigated. The present study conducted a highly controlled residential study of a 4-day meditation intervention to investigate the brain functional changes and long-term effects of meditation on mindfulness and resilience. Thirty participants in meditation practice and 17 participants in a relaxation retreat (control group) underwent magnetic resonance imaging scans at baseline and post-intervention and completed the Cognitive and Affective Mindfulness Scale (CAMS) and Resilience Quotient Test (RQT) at baseline, post-intervention, and the 3-month follow-up. All participants showed increased CAMS and RQT scores post-intervention, but only the meditation group sustained the enhancement after 3 months. Resting-state functional connectivity (rsFC) between the left rostral anterior cingulate cortex (rACC) and the dorsomedial prefrontal cortex (dmPFC), precuneus, and angular gyrus was significantly increased post-intervention in the meditation group compared with the relaxation group. The changes in rACC-dmPFC rsFC mediated the relationship between the changes in the CAMS and RQT scores and correlated with the changes in the RQT score both immediately and at 3 months post-intervention. Our findings suggest that increased rACC-dmPFC rsFC via meditation causes an immediate enhancement in resilience that is sustained. Since resilience is known to be associated with the preventative effect of various psychiatric disorders, the improvement in stress-related neural mechanisms may be beneficial to individuals at high clinical risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seoyeon Kwak
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Seoul National University College of Natural Sciences, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Tae Young Lee
- Institute of Human Behavioral Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine (SNU-MRC), Seoul, South Korea
| | - Wi Hoon Jung
- Department of Psychology, Daegu University, Gyeongsan, South Korea
| | - Ji-Won Hur
- Department of Psychology, Chung-Ang University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Dahye Bae
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Seoul National University College of Natural Sciences, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Wu Jeong Hwang
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Seoul National University College of Natural Sciences, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Kang Ik K Cho
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Seoul National University College of Natural Sciences, Seoul, South Korea.,Institute of Human Behavioral Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine (SNU-MRC), Seoul, South Korea
| | - Kyung-Ok Lim
- Department of Psychiatry, National Institute of Forensic Psychiatry, Ministry of Justice, Gongjusi, South Korea
| | - So-Yeon Kim
- Department of Psychology, Duksung Women's University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Hye Yoon Park
- Department of Psychiatry, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Jun Soo Kwon
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Seoul National University College of Natural Sciences, Seoul, South Korea.,Institute of Human Behavioral Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine (SNU-MRC), Seoul, South Korea.,Department of Psychiatry, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
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de Punder K, Heim C, Wadhwa PD, Entringer S. Stress and immunosenescence: The role of telomerase. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2019; 101:87-100. [PMID: 30445409 PMCID: PMC6458519 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2018.10.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2018] [Revised: 09/27/2018] [Accepted: 10/22/2018] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Chronic stress is associated with the accelerated aging of the immune system and represents a potent risk factor for the development and progression of a wide range of physical and mental disorders. The elucidation of molecular pathways and mechanisms underlying the link between stress and cellular aging is an area of considerable interest and investigation. In this context, telomere biology has emerged as a particularly attractive candidate mechanism. Several studies have linked immune cell telomere length with stress-related conditions and states, and also with several physical and mental disorders. Because the cellular reverse transcriptase enzyme telomerase is the primary regulator of telomere length (by adding telomeric DNA to telomeres and thereby attenuating telomere shortening), the understanding of its regulation and regulatory functions constitutes a prime target for developing strategies to prevent, attenuate or reverse the adverse consequences of immune system aging (immunosenescence). In this review we provide an overview of the mechanistic pathways linking telomerase with stress and cellular aging, with an emphasis on the immune system. We summarize and synthesize the current state of the literature on immune cell telomerase in different stress- and aging-related disease states and provide recommendations for future research directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karin de Punder
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health (BIH), Institute of Medical Psychology, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Christine Heim
- Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health (BIH), Institute of Medical Psychology, Berlin, Germany, Department of Biobehavioral Health, College of Health and Human Development, Pennsylvania State University, USA
| | - Pathik D. Wadhwa
- Department of Psychiatry & Human Behavior, University of California, Irvine, School of Medicine, Irvine, CA, USA, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of California, Irvine, School of Medicine, Irvine, CA, USA, Department of Pediatrics, University of California, Irvine, School of Medicine, Irvine, CA, USA, Department of Epidemiology, University of California, Irvine, School of Medicine, Irvine, CA, USA, Development, Health and Disease Research Program, University of California, Irvine, School of Medicine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Sonja Entringer
- Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health (BIH), Institute of Medical Psychology, Berlin, Germany, Department of Pediatrics, University of California, Irvine, School of Medicine, Irvine, CA, USA, Development, Health and Disease Research Program, University of California, Irvine, School of Medicine, Irvine, CA, USA
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King BG, Conklin QA, Zanesco AP, Saron CD. Residential meditation retreats: their role in contemplative practice and significance for psychological research. Curr Opin Psychol 2019; 28:238-244. [PMID: 30878004 DOI: 10.1016/j.copsyc.2018.12.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2018] [Revised: 12/13/2018] [Accepted: 12/30/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Contemporary investigations of mindfulness and meditation have predominately emphasized the short-term effects of brief inductions or standardized, multi-week interventions in people with little to no prior meditation experience. Considerably less is known about the effects of continued or intensive meditation practice as proficiency and expertise are acquired over time. In this article, we describe the form and function of residential retreats, an understudied class of meditation intervention that holds promise for bridging this gap in the empirical literature. We outline a number of design features that distinguish retreats from other meditation-based interventions, and highlight their utility for informing functional and developmental perspectives on meditation, cognition, health, and well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brandon G King
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis, United States; Center for Mind and Brain, University of California, Davis, United States.
| | - Quinn A Conklin
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis, United States; Center for Mind and Brain, University of California, Davis, United States
| | | | - Clifford D Saron
- Center for Mind and Brain, University of California, Davis, United States; The MIND Institute, University of California, Davis, United States
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Conklin QA, Crosswell AD, Saron CD, Epel ES. Meditation, stress processes, and telomere biology. Curr Opin Psychol 2018; 28:92-101. [PMID: 30553080 DOI: 10.1016/j.copsyc.2018.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2018] [Revised: 10/26/2018] [Accepted: 11/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Both theoretical and empirical work support the notion that meditation training can improve telomere regulation, which may ultimately contribute to healthy aging. Yet, the psychological and biological mechanisms underlying these changes remain underspecified, as do the contexts and boundary conditions in which these changes occur. Here we summarize studies investigating the effects of various meditation-based interventions on telomere biology, making suggestions for future research. We then propose a model describing how meditation training may impact acute and habitual stress responses as pathways to improved cell aging.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Elissa S Epel
- University of California, San Francisco, United States.
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Contemplative Practices: A Strategy to Improve Health and Reduce Disparities. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2018; 15:ijerph15102253. [PMID: 30326604 PMCID: PMC6210378 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph15102253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2018] [Revised: 09/25/2018] [Accepted: 10/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Health has many dimensions, and intolerance and lack of compassion may contribute to the poor health and disparities in our nation. Tolerance can convey an inherent paradox or dissonance that can be associated with stress. However, tolerance has a dimension of acceptance, an acknowledgement and acceptance of what “is” at the present moment, that can relieve tension associated with differing beliefs and practices. Compassionate consideration of others can be combined with acceptance to create harmony within and across individuals. In this article, we explore how contemplative practices can cultivate tolerance and compassion and contribute to improvements in individual and population health.
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Ask TF, Lugo RG, Sütterlin S. The Neuro-Immuno-Senescence Integrative Model (NISIM) on the Negative Association Between Parasympathetic Activity and Cellular Senescence. Front Neurosci 2018; 12:726. [PMID: 30369866 PMCID: PMC6194361 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2018.00726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2018] [Accepted: 09/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
There is evidence that accumulated senescent cells drive age-related pathologies, but the antecedents to the cellular stressors that induce senescence remain poorly understood. Previous research suggests that there is a relationship between shorter telomere length, an antecedent to cellular senescence, and psychological stress. Existing models do not sufficiently account for the specific pathways from which psychological stress regulation is converted into production of reactive oxygen species. We propose the neuro-immuno-senescence integrative model (NISIM) suggesting how vagally mediated heart rate variability (HRV) might be related to cellular senescence. Prefrontally modulated, and vagally mediated cortical influences on the autonomic nervous system, expressed as HRV, affects the immune system by adrenergic stimulation and cholinergic inhibition of cytokine production in macrophages and neutrophils. Previous findings indicate that low HRV is associated with increased production of the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and TNF-α. IL-6 and TNF-α can activate the NFκB pathway, increasing production of reactive oxygen species that can cause DNA damage. Vagally mediated HRV has been related to an individual's ability to regulate stress, and is lower in people with shorter telomeres. Based on these previous findings, the NISIM suggest that the main pathway from psychological stress to individual differences in oxidative telomere damage originates in the neuroanatomical components that modulate HRV, and culminates in the cytokine-induced activation of NFκB. Accumulated senescent cells in the brain is hypothesized to promote age-related neurodegenerative disease, and previous reports suggest an association between low HRV and onset of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. Accumulating senescent cells in peripheral tissues secreting senescence-associated secretory phenotype factors can alter tissue structure and function which can induce cancer and promote tumor growth and metastasis in old age, and previous research suggested that ability to regulate psychological stress has a negative association with cancer onset. We therefore conclude that the NISIM can account for a large proportion of the individual differences in the psychological stress-related antecedents to cellular senescence, and suggest that it can be useful in providing a dynamic framework for understanding the pathways by which psychological stress induce pathologies in old age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Torvald F. Ask
- Research Group on Cognition, Health, and Performance, Institute of Psychology, Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences, Lillehammer, Norway
| | - Ricardo G. Lugo
- Research Group on Cognition, Health, and Performance, Institute of Psychology, Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences, Lillehammer, Norway
| | - Stefan Sütterlin
- Faculty of Health and Welfare Sciences, Østfold University College, Halden, Norway
- Division of Clinical Neuroscience, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
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Tolahunase MR, Sagar R, Dada R. 5-HTTLPR and MTHFR 677C>T polymorphisms and response to yoga-based lifestyle intervention in major depressive disorder: A randomized active-controlled trial. Indian J Psychiatry 2018; 60:410-426. [PMID: 30581206 PMCID: PMC6278208 DOI: 10.4103/psychiatry.indianjpsychiatry_398_17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is growing evidence suggesting that both genetic and environmental factors modulate treatment outcome in, a highly heterogeneous, major depressive disorder (MDD). 5-HTTLPR variant of the serotonin transporter gene (SLC6A4) and MTHFR 677C>T polymorphisms have been linked to the pathogenesis of MDD, and antidepressant treatment response. The evidence is lacking on the clinical utility of yoga in patients with MDD who have 5-HTTLPR and MTHFR 677C>T polymorphisms and less likely to respond to medications (SSRIs). AIMS We aimed to examine the impact of YBLI in those who have susceptible 5-HTTLPR and MTHFR 677C>T polymorphisms and are less likely to drug therapy with SSRIs. SETTINGS AND DESIGN In a 12 week randomized active-controlled trial, MDD patients (n = 178) were randomized to receive YBLI or drug therapy. METHODS Genotyping was conducted using PCR-based methods. The clinical remission was defined as BDI-II score ≤ 9. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED An intent-to-treat analysis was performed, and the association of genotype with treatment remission consisted of the logistic regression model. A P value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS Multivariate logistic regression models for remission including either 5-HTTLPR or MTHFR 677C>T genotypes showed statistically significant odds of remission in YOGA arm vs. DRUG arm. Neither 5-HTTLPR nor MTHFR 677C>T genotype showed any influence on remission to YBLI (P = 0.73 and P = 0.64, respectively). Further analysis showed childhood adversity interact with 5-HTTLPR and MTHFR 677C>T polymorphisms to decrease treatment response in DRUG treatment arm, but not in YOGA arm. CONCLUSIONS YBLI provides MDD remission in those who have susceptible 5-HTTLPR and MTHFR 677C>T polymorphisms and are resistant to SSRIs treatment. YBLI may be therapeutic for MDD independent of heterogeneity in its etiopathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madhuri R Tolahunase
- Department of Anatomy, Lab for Molecular Reproduction and Genetics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Rajesh Sagar
- Department of Psychiatry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Rima Dada
- Department of Anatomy, Lab for Molecular Reproduction and Genetics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
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Readhead B, Haure-Mirande JV, Funk CC, Richards MA, Shannon P, Haroutunian V, Sano M, Liang WS, Beckmann ND, Price ND, Reiman EM, Schadt EE, Ehrlich ME, Gandy S, Dudley JT. Multiscale Analysis of Independent Alzheimer's Cohorts Finds Disruption of Molecular, Genetic, and Clinical Networks by Human Herpesvirus. Neuron 2018; 99:64-82.e7. [PMID: 29937276 PMCID: PMC6551233 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2018.05.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 420] [Impact Index Per Article: 70.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2017] [Revised: 03/05/2018] [Accepted: 05/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Investigators have long suspected that pathogenic microbes might contribute to the onset and progression of Alzheimer's disease (AD) although definitive evidence has not been presented. Whether such findings represent a causal contribution, or reflect opportunistic passengers of neurodegeneration, is also difficult to resolve. We constructed multiscale networks of the late-onset AD-associated virome, integrating genomic, transcriptomic, proteomic, and histopathological data across four brain regions from human post-mortem tissue. We observed increased human herpesvirus 6A (HHV-6A) and human herpesvirus 7 (HHV-7) from subjects with AD compared with controls. These results were replicated in two additional, independent and geographically dispersed cohorts. We observed regulatory relationships linking viral abundance and modulators of APP metabolism, including induction of APBB2, APPBP2, BIN1, BACE1, CLU, PICALM, and PSEN1 by HHV-6A. This study elucidates networks linking molecular, clinical, and neuropathological features with viral activity and is consistent with viral activity constituting a general feature of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ben Readhead
- Departments of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA; Icahn Institute of Genomic Sciences and Multiscale Biology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA; Institute for Next Generation Healthcare, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA; ASU-Banner Neurodegenerative Disease Research Center, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287-5001, USA
| | - Jean-Vianney Haure-Mirande
- Department of Neurology, Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Cory C Funk
- Institute for Systems Biology, Seattle, WA, 98109-5263, USA
| | | | - Paul Shannon
- Institute for Systems Biology, Seattle, WA, 98109-5263, USA
| | - Vahram Haroutunian
- Departments of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA; James J. Peters VA Medical Center, 130 West Kingsbridge Road, New York, NY 10468, USA
| | - Mary Sano
- James J. Peters VA Medical Center, 130 West Kingsbridge Road, New York, NY 10468, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Winnie S Liang
- Arizona Alzheimer's Consortium, Phoenix, AZ 85014, USA; Neurogenomics Division, Translational Genomics Research Institute, Phoenix, AZ 85004, USA
| | - Noam D Beckmann
- Departments of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA; Icahn Institute of Genomic Sciences and Multiscale Biology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Nathan D Price
- Institute for Systems Biology, Seattle, WA, 98109-5263, USA
| | - Eric M Reiman
- Arizona Alzheimer's Consortium, Phoenix, AZ 85014, USA; Neurogenomics Division, Translational Genomics Research Institute, Phoenix, AZ 85004, USA; Department of Psychiatry, University of Arizona, Phoenix, AZ 85721, USA; Banner Alzheimer's Institute, Phoenix, AZ 85006, USA
| | - Eric E Schadt
- Departments of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA; Icahn Institute of Genomic Sciences and Multiscale Biology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA; Sema4, Stamford, CT 06902, USA
| | - Michelle E Ehrlich
- Departments of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA; Icahn Institute of Genomic Sciences and Multiscale Biology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA; Department of Neurology, Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Sam Gandy
- Department of Neurology, Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA; James J. Peters VA Medical Center, 130 West Kingsbridge Road, New York, NY 10468, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA; Center for NFL Neurological Care, Department of Neurology, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Joel T Dudley
- Departments of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA; Icahn Institute of Genomic Sciences and Multiscale Biology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA; Institute for Next Generation Healthcare, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA; ASU-Banner Neurodegenerative Disease Research Center, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287-5001, USA.
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Sasmita AO, Kuruvilla J, Ling APK. Harnessing neuroplasticity: modern approaches and clinical future. Int J Neurosci 2018; 128:1061-1077. [DOI: 10.1080/00207454.2018.1466781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Octavian Sasmita
- Division of Applied Biomedical Sciences and Biotechnology, School of Health Sciences, International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Joshua Kuruvilla
- Division of Applied Biomedical Sciences and Biotechnology, School of Health Sciences, International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Anna Pick Kiong Ling
- Division of Applied Biomedical Sciences and Biotechnology, School of Health Sciences, International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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Conklin QA, King BG, Zanesco AP, Lin J, Hamidi AB, Pokorny JJ, Álvarez-López MJ, Cosín-Tomás M, Huang C, Kaliman P, Epel ES, Saron CD. Insight meditation and telomere biology: The effects of intensive retreat and the moderating role of personality. Brain Behav Immun 2018. [PMID: 29518528 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2018.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
A growing body of evidence suggests that meditation training may have a range of salubrious effects, including improved telomere regulation. Telomeres and the enzyme telomerase interact with a variety of molecular components to regulate cell-cycle signaling cascades, and are implicated in pathways linking psychological stress to disease. We investigated the effects of intensive meditation practice on these biomarkers by measuring changes in telomere length (TL), telomerase activity (TA), and telomere-related gene (TRG) expression during a 1-month residential Insight meditation retreat. Multilevel analyses revealed an apparent TL increase in the retreat group, compared to a group of experienced meditators, similarly comprised in age and gender, who were not on retreat. Moreover, personality traits predicted changes in TL, such that retreat participants highest in neuroticism and lowest in agreeableness demonstrated the greatest increases in TL. Changes observed in TRGs further suggest retreat-related improvements in telomere maintenance, including increases in Gar1 and HnRNPA1, which encode proteins that bind telomerase RNA and telomeric DNA. Although no group-level changes were observed in TA, retreat participants' TA levels at post-assessment were inversely related to several indices of retreat engagement and prior meditation experience. Neuroticism also predicted variation in TA across retreat. These findings suggest that meditation training in a retreat setting may have positive effects on telomere regulation, which are moderated by individual differences in personality and meditation experience. (ClinicalTrials.gov #NCT03056105).
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Affiliation(s)
- Quinn A Conklin
- Center for Mind and Brain, University of California, Davis, 267 Cousteau Place, Davis, CA 95618, United States; Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis, 135 Young Hall, Davis, CA 95616, United States.
| | - Brandon G King
- Center for Mind and Brain, University of California, Davis, 267 Cousteau Place, Davis, CA 95618, United States; Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis, 135 Young Hall, Davis, CA 95616, United States
| | - Anthony P Zanesco
- Center for Mind and Brain, University of California, Davis, 267 Cousteau Place, Davis, CA 95618, United States; Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis, 135 Young Hall, Davis, CA 95616, United States
| | - Jue Lin
- Department of Biochemistry & Biophysics, University of California, San Francisco, 600 16th St, San Francisco, CA 94158, United States
| | - Anahita B Hamidi
- Center for Mind and Brain, University of California, Davis, 267 Cousteau Place, Davis, CA 95618, United States; Center for Neuroscience, University of California, Davis, 1544 Newton Court, Davis, CA 95618, United States
| | - Jennifer J Pokorny
- Center for Mind and Brain, University of California, Davis, 267 Cousteau Place, Davis, CA 95618, United States
| | | | - Marta Cosín-Tomás
- Unit of Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Barcelona, Barcelona 08028, Spain
| | - Colin Huang
- Department of Biochemistry & Biophysics, University of California, San Francisco, 600 16th St, San Francisco, CA 94158, United States
| | - Perla Kaliman
- Center for Mind and Brain, University of California, Davis, 267 Cousteau Place, Davis, CA 95618, United States; Unit of Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Barcelona, Barcelona 08028, Spain
| | - Elissa S Epel
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Francisco, 401 Parnassus Ave, San Francisco, CA 94131, United States
| | - Clifford D Saron
- Center for Mind and Brain, University of California, Davis, 267 Cousteau Place, Davis, CA 95618, United States; MIND Institute, University of California, Davis Medical Center, 2825 50th St, Sacramento, CA 95817, United States
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Naidoo D, Schembri A, Cohen M. The health impact of residential retreats: a systematic review. Altern Ther Health Med 2018; 18:8. [PMID: 29316909 PMCID: PMC5761096 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-017-2078-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2017] [Accepted: 12/29/2017] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Background Unhealthy lifestyles are a major factor in the development and exacerbation of many chronic diseases. Improving lifestyles though immersive residential experiences that promote healthy behaviours is a focus of the health retreat industry. This systematic review aims to identify and explore published studies on the health, wellbeing and economic impact of retreat experiences. Methods MEDLINE, CINAHL and PsychINFO databases were searched for residential retreat studies in English published prior to February 2017. Studies were included if they were written in English, involved an intervention program in a residential setting of one or more nights, and included before-and-after data related to the health of participants. Studies that did not meet the above criteria or contained only descriptive data from interviews or case studies were excluded. Results A total of 23 studies including eight randomised controlled trials, six non-randomised controlled trials and nine longitudinal cohort studies met the inclusion criteria. These studies included a total of 2592 participants from diverse geographical and demographic populations and a great heterogeneity of outcome measures, with seven studies examining objective outcomes such as blood pressure or biological makers of disease, and 16 studies examining subjective outcomes that mostly involved self-reported questionnaires on psychological and spiritual measures. All studies reported post-retreat health benefits ranging from immediately after to five-years post-retreat. Study populations varied widely and most studies had small sample sizes, poorly described methodology and little follow-up data, and no studies reported on health economic outcomes or adverse effects, making it difficult to make definite conclusions about specific conditions, safety or return on investment. Conclusions Health retreat experiences appear to have health benefits that include benefits for people with chronic diseases such as multiple sclerosis, various cancers, HIV/AIDS, heart conditions and mental health. Future research with larger numbers of subjects and longer follow-up periods are needed to investigate the health impact of different retreat experiences and the clinical populations most likely to benefit. Further studies are also needed to determine the economic benefits of retreat experiences for individuals, as well as for businesses, health insurers and policy makers.
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Innes KE, Selfe TK, Brundage K, Montgomery C, Wen S, Kandati S, Bowles H, Khalsa DS, Huysmans Z. Effects of Meditation and Music-Listening on Blood Biomarkers of Cellular Aging and Alzheimer's Disease in Adults with Subjective Cognitive Decline: An Exploratory Randomized Clinical Trial. J Alzheimers Dis 2018; 66:947-970. [PMID: 30320574 PMCID: PMC6388631 DOI: 10.3233/jad-180164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Telomere length (TL), telomerase activity (TA), and plasma amyloid-β (Aβ) levels have emerged as possible predictors of cognitive decline and dementia. OBJECTIVE To assess the: 1) effects of two 12-week relaxation programs on TL, TA, and Aβ levels in adults with subjective cognitive decline; and 2) relationship of biomarker changes to those in cognitive function, psychosocial status, and quality of life (QOL). METHODS Participants were randomized to a 12-week Kirtan Kriya meditation (KK) or music listening (ML) program and asked to practice 12 minutes/day. Plasma Aβ(38/40/42) and peripheral blood mononuclear cell TL and TA were measured at baseline and 3 months. Cognition, stress, sleep, mood, and QOL were assessed at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months. RESULTS Baseline blood samples were available for 53 participants (25 KK, 28 ML). The KK group showed significantly greater increases in Aβ40 than the ML group. TA rose in both groups, although increases were significant only among those with higher practice adherence and lower baseline TA. Changes in both TL and TA varied by their baseline values, with greater increases among participants with values ≤50th percentile (ps-interaction <0.006). Both groups improved in cognitive and psychosocial status (ps ≤0.05), with improvements in stress, mood, and QOL greater in the KK group. Rising Aβ levels were correlated with gains in cognitive function, mood, sleep, and QOL at both 3 and 6 months, associations that were particularly pronounced in the KK group. Increases in TL and TA were also correlated with improvements in certain cognitive and psychosocial measures. CONCLUSION Practice of simple mind-body therapies may alter plasma Aβ levels, TL, and TA. Biomarker increases were associated with improvements in cognitive function, sleep, mood, and QOL, suggesting potential functional relationships.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kim E. Innes
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, West Virginia University (WVU) Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Terry Kit Selfe
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, West Virginia University (WVU) Morgantown, WV, USA
- Department of Biomedical and Health Information Services, Health Science Center Libraries, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Kathleen Brundage
- Department of Microbiology, Flow Cytometry & Single Cell Core Facility, Immunology & Cell Biology, School of Medicine, WVU Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Caitlin Montgomery
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, West Virginia University (WVU) Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Sijin Wen
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, WVU, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Sahiti Kandati
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, West Virginia University (WVU) Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Hannah Bowles
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, West Virginia University (WVU) Morgantown, WV, USA
| | | | - Zenzi Huysmans
- College of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences, WVU, Morgantown, WV, USA
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Abstract
Telomeres, the repetitive sequences that protect the ends of chromosomes, help to maintain genomic integrity and are of key importance to human health. Telomeres progressively shorten throughout life and a number of studies have shown shorter telomere length to be associated with lifestyle disorders. Previous studies also indicate that yoga and lifestyle-based intervention have significant role on oxidative DNA damage and cellular aging. However, very few publications investigate telomere stability and its implication from the point of view of asana, pranayama, and meditation. In this context, a review was conducted to systematically assess the available data on the effectiveness of asana, pranayama, and meditation in maintaining telomere and telomerase. Literature search was performed using the following electronic databases: Cochrane Library, NCBI, PubMed, Google Scholar, EMBASE, and Web of Science. We explored the possible mechanisms of how asana, pranayama, and meditation might be affecting telomere length and telomerase. Moreover, results showed that asana and pranayama increase the oxygen flow to the cells and meditation reduces the stress level by modulating the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis. Summing up the result, it can be concluded that practice of asana, pranayama, and meditation can help to maintain genomic integrity and are of key importance to human health and lifestyle disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jessy Abraham
- Department of Biochemistry, AIIMS, Raipur, Chhattisgarh, India
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50
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Pascoe MC, Thompson DR, Jenkins ZM, Ski CF. Mindfulness mediates the physiological markers of stress: Systematic review and meta-analysis. J Psychiatr Res 2017; 95:156-178. [PMID: 28863392 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2017.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 197] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2017] [Revised: 08/07/2017] [Accepted: 08/07/2017] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Meditation is a popular form of stress management, argued to mediate stress reactivity. However, many studies in this field commonly fail to include an active control group. Given the frequency with which people are selecting meditation as a form of self-management, it is important to validate if the practice is effective in mediating stress-reactivity using well-controlled studies. Thus, we aimed to conduct a meta-analysis investigating the neurobiological effects of meditation, including focused attention, open monitoring and automatic self-transcending subtypes, compared to an active control, on markers of stress. In the current meta-analysis and systematic review, we included randomised controlled trials comparing meditation interventions compared to an active control on physiological markers of stress. Studied outcomes include cortisol, blood pressure, heart-rate, lipids and peripheral cytokine expression. Forty-five studies were included. All meditation subtypes reduced systolic blood pressure. Focused attention meditations also reduced cortisol and open monitoring meditations also reduced heart rate. When all meditation forms were analysed together, meditation reduced cortisol, C - reactive protein, blood pressure, heart rate, triglycerides and tumour necrosis factor-alpha. Overall, meditation practice leads to decreased physiological markers of stress in a range of populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michaela C Pascoe
- Department of Cancer Experiences, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia.
| | - David R Thompson
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia; Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia.
| | - Zoe M Jenkins
- Mental Health Service, St. Vincent's Hospital, Melbourne, VIC 3065, Australia.
| | - Chantal F Ski
- Mental Health Service, St. Vincent's Hospital, Melbourne, VIC 3065, Australia; Department of Psychiatry, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia.
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