Social isolation and loneliness cause changes in blood proteins

Loneliness and social isolation are not just emotions, they are silent threats to our health.

A recent study by researchers at the University of Cambridge and Fudan University reveals a direct link between our social lives and proteins in our blood – and why staying connected can protect us from serious illness. It became clear that it could be protected.

Published in a magazine nature human behaviorthe study analyzed blood samples from more than 42,000 adults in the UK Biobank.

Dr Chun Sheng, a researcher in the Department of Clinical Neuroscience at the University of Cambridge, is the study's lead author.

“We know that social isolation and loneliness are associated with poorer health, but we still don't know why. Our research reveals that a number of proteins play important roles in this relationship. ,” Dr. Shen explained.

Why loneliness and isolation are important

Loneliness and social isolation have different effects on health. What is isolation? objective conditions – Living alone or having little social interaction.

However, loneliness is subjective and depends on an individual's sense of connectedness. Both states have been linked to chronic diseases such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes and stroke, but the biological mechanisms behind these associations have remained unknown until now. .

The approach of this study was innovative. Researchers analyzed the “proteome,” or collection of proteins in the bloodstream, to identify changes associated with social factors.

Proteins that control important functions in the body often serve as indicators of health status and potential drug targets.

Protein links loneliness to poor health

The study identified 175 proteins associated with social isolation and 26 proteins associated with loneliness, with significant overlap between the two.

Many of these proteins are associated with inflammation, immune responses, and conditions such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes. The research team used Mendelian randomization, a robust statistical method, to confirm the following causal relationships: loneliness and certain proteins.

One of the standout proteins is ADM (adrenomedullin), which regulates the stress response and influences oxytocin, a hormone known to reduce stress and boost mood.

“Levels of some proteins, including ADM, increase as a direct result of loneliness,” Dr. Shen said.

High ADM levels were associated with structural changes in the insular and caudate regions of the brain, which are essential for emotional and social processing, and were associated with an increased risk of early death.

Other proteins, such as ASGR1, are associated with cholesterol regulation and cardiovascular risk. Some proteins also played a role in insulin resistance, artery health, and even cancer progression. These findings highlight the far-reaching effects of social isolation on physical health.

Why social bonds protect health

“AI and high-throughput proteomics can revolutionize our understanding of health by allowing us to precisely identify proteins that are important in disease prevention and diagnosis,” said Professor Jianfeng Feng. University of Warwick.

connection between social relationships and health It's not new. However, this study provides unprecedented insight into the biological pathways involved.

It highlights how proteins, as mediators of biological processes, can bridge the gap between social experiences and physical outcomes.

The cost of social isolation and loneliness

This discovery was announced at a critical time. Professor Barbara Sahakian, University of Cambridge psychiatry It noted that more people of all ages are reporting feeling lonely.

“That's why, world health organization Professor Sahakian described social isolation and loneliness as a 'global public health concern'.

The urgency is clear. Without intervention, The ripple effect of loneliness It can place a strain on individuals and health systems alike.

Moving forward: What can we do?

So how do we address this pressing problem? Solutions need to address both the individual and societal levels. It is essential to use technology to promote social activities, community participation, and connect isolated individuals.

Policy makers and health care providers must work together to create an environment that fosters social bonding.

Dr. Shen's team is also calling for more research into targeted therapies. The identified protein could pave the way for treatments to reduce the effects of loneliness on the body. Developing interventions that focus on these biological markers may help those most at risk.

The evidence is clear. Our social life has a huge impact on our physical health. This research doesn't just clarify the problem biological roots Loneliness also challenges us to rethink how we value relationships.

As the world faces increasing isolation and loneliness, these findings serve as a timely reminder of the power of social connections.

The research will be published in a journal nature human behavior.

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