Effects of mindfulness-based interventions on biomarkers in healthy and cancer populations: a systematic review

Abstract

BackgroundOnly a small number of articles have investigated the relationship between mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) and biomarkers. The aim of this systematic review was to study the effect of MBIs on specific biomarkers (cytokines, neuropeptides and C-reactive protein (CRP)) in both healthy subjects and cancer patients.MethodsA search was conducted using PubMed, EMBASE, PsycINFO and the Cochrane library between 1980 and September 2016.ResultsA total of 13 studies with 1110 participants were included. In the healthy population, MBIs had no effect on cytokines, but were found to increase the levels of the neuropeptide insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1). With respect to neuropeptide Y, despite the absence of post-intervention differences, MBIs may enhance recovery from stress. With regard to CRP, MBIs could be effective in lower Body Mass Index (BMI) individuals. In cancer patients, MBIs seem to have some effect on cytokine levels, although it was not possible to determine which specific cytokines were affected. One possibility is that MBIs might aid recovery of the immune system, increasing the production of interleukin (IL)-4 and decreasing interferon gamma (IFN-γ).ConclusionsMBIs may be involved in changes from a depressive/carcinogenic profile to a more normalized one. However, given the complexity and different contexts of the immune system, and the fact that this investigation is still in its preliminary stage, additional randomized controlled trials are needed to further establish the impact of MBI programmes on biomarkers in both clinical and non-clinical populations.

Immune dysregulation among students exposed to exam stress and its mitigation by mindfulness training: findings from an exploratory randomised trial

“…Thus, the effects of mindfulness training programmes on immunological biomarkers are less clear within non-clinical than clinical populations 31 . Few basic immunological outcomes have been tested in randomised trials of community samples [32][33][34][35][36][37][38][39][40] .…”

Effects of Mindfulness-Based Interventions on Biomarkers and Low-Grade Inflammation in Patients with Psychiatric Disorders: A Meta-Analytic Review

“…With regard to inflammatory cytokines, a recent meta-analysis found no significant effects of MBIs on the blood levels of IL-6 and TNF-α in participants with ulcerative colitis or obesity, or in dementia caregivers and healthy subjects [16]. Likewise, two previous systematic reviews reported that null findings of replicated effects of MBIs were observed for inflammatory cytokines in blood, including IL-6 and TNF-α, in participants with cancer, ulcerative colitis or rheumatoid arthritis, or in dementia caregivers and healthy controls [1,81]. For ACTH, one study performed by Kim et al [82] found no significant effects from mindfulness-based stretching and deep breathing exercises based on MBSR on the levels of blood ACTH in nurses with subclinical features of PTSD.…”

“…The word "mindfulness" is the English translation of sati (Pali) or smr . iti (Sanskrit) which implies "bare attention" or "present-centred awareness" [1]. Kabat-Zinn introduced this therapeutic approach in the field of health in the 1970s [2], and defining mindfulness as the state of mind that arises from paying attention in a particular way, on purpose, in the present moment and without judgement [3].…”

“…Since then, new standardised intervention approaches based on MBSR have been developed, such as Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), which aims to prevent relapses in depression [5], and Mindfulness-Based Relapse Prevention, which reduces the probability and severity of relapse in patients with substance use disorders [6,7]. These programmes are described as Mindfulness-Based Interventions (MBIs), with specific psychoeducational components adapted to the target population [1,8].…”

The ONE‐MIND Study: Rationale and protocol for assessing the effects of ONlinE MINDfulness‐based cancer recovery for the prevention of fatigue and other common side effects during chemotherapy

“…Mindfulness‐based interventions have also demonstrated positive effects on immune measures in cancer survivors, including decreased pro‐inflammatory and stress‐related circulating cytokines in the blood (Sanada et al, ; Subnis, Starkweather, McCain, & Brown, ). This work shows it is possible to affect immune parameters through mindfulness practice, but no one has investigated the programme's potential to impact CT‐induced alterations in immune cell counts.…”