Effects of mindfulness-based stress reduction on neuropeptide Y plasma levels in stressed individuals.
Helle Degnbol Østergaard, Karen Johanne Pallesen, Marit Nyholm Nielsen, Lone O Fjorback, Lise Juul, Michael Winterdahl
Journal of Psychiatric Research January 1, 2025 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2024.12.011 (opens in new tab) via PubMed
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractMindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) may increase plasma neuropeptide Y (NPY) levels in individuals with chronic stress. Adults with symptoms of chronic stress were randomly assigned to eight weeks of MBSR, a locally-developed stress reduction intervention (LSR), or a wait-list control group. Blood samples taken at baseline and at a twelve-week follow-up showed that the MBSR group had increased plasma NPY levels compared to the wait-list control group, while the LSR group did not differ statistically from the other groups. This pilot study suggests MBSR can alter plasma NPY, indicating a possible biological pathway for stress reduction.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Randomized controlled trial Pilot study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 50 |
| Population | Individuals with symptoms of chronic stress |
| Interventions | Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction locally-developed stress reduction intervention |
| Duration | 8-week intervention, 12-week follow-up |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Keywords | Neuropeptide y Occupational stress |
| Key finding | MBSR increased plasma NPY levels compared to a wait-list control group in individuals with chronic stress. |
Abstract
Clinical studies have suggested that dysregulation of the neuropeptide Y (NPY) system may play a role in psychiatric disorders, including chronic stress. Meanwhile, Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) has shown promise for stress-related maladies. However, no studies have explored whether MBSR can change plasma NPY concentration in stressed individuals. Individuals with symptoms of chronic stress were randomly assigned to eight weeks of either MBSR (n = 15), a locally-developed stress reduction intervention (LSR) (n = 15) or a wait-list control group (n = 20). Blood samples were collected at baseline and at a twelve-week follow-up to determine the effects of MBSR or LSR compared to the wait-list control group on NPY levels. The MBSR group had increased plasma NPY levels after the program compared to the waitlist control group, whereas the LSR group was not statistically different from the other groups. This pilot study provides evidence of the feasibility of MBSR to alter plasma NPY.