The effect of mindfulness-based interventions on immunity-related biomarkers: a comprehensive meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials.
Thomas J. Dunn, Mirena Dimolareva
Clinical Psychology Review March 2022 DOI: 10.1016/j.cpr.2022.102124 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 4,683 |
| Population | Participants in randomized controlled trials of mindfulness-based interventions across varied study populations |
| Intervention | Mindfulness-based interventions |
| Measures | CD4+ cells, C-reactive protein, interleukin-6, nuclear factor-κB, telomere length, telomerase activity |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Keywords | Biomarkers C-reactive protein Cd4 Crp Il-6 Immune function Immunity Inflammatory Interleukin Mbi Mindfulness-based Telomeres |
| Key findings | Pooled across 48 randomized trials, mindfulness-based interventions were associated with lower C-reactive protein (SMCD = -0.14) and interleukin-6 (SMCD = -0.35), and higher CD4+ cells (SMCD = 0.09), telomere length (SMCD = 0.12), and telomerase activity (SMCD = 0.81) at post-intervention. At follow-up, interleukin-6 (SMCD = -0.13) and C-reactive protein (SMCD = -0.39) remained reduced and CD4+ cells increased (SMCD = 0.22). The authors argue these results quantify the potential of mindfulness-based interventions to improve immune function and affect somatic disorders. |
Abstract
One proposed pathway that mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) may offer a salutogenic effect on somatic disorders is by enhancing immune function. As such, we conducted a meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials examining the effect of MBIs at post-intervention and follow-up for six immune-related biomarkers, including CD4+ cells, C-reactive protein, interleukin-6, nuclear factor-κB, telomere length, and telomerase activity. Potential studies were identified by searching ScienceDirect, Web of Science, Academic Search Complete, AMED, MEDLINE, PsycARTICLES, and PsycINFO. Searches returned 1959 studies, of which 48 (70 effects) were included (N = 4683). Pooled effect sizes indicated a reduction in C-reactive protein (SMCD = -.14, 95% CI [-.26 - -.01]) and interleukin-6 (SMCD = -.35, 95% CI [-.67 - -.03]), and an increase in CD4+ (SMCD = .09, 95% CI [-.05 - .22]), telomere length (SMCD = .12, 95% CI [.00 - .24]) and telomerase activity (SMCD = .81, 95% CI [.17 - 1.46]) at post-intervention. At follow-up, results showed a reduction in interleukin-6 (SMCD = -.13, 95% CI [-.29 - .03]) and C-reactive protein (SMCD = -.39, 95% CI [-.68 - -.10]) and increase in CD4+ (SMCD = .22, 95% CI [-.08 - .52]). Meta-regression results showed that some heterogeneity in effect size could be accounted for by intervention dosage, study population, and study design. Our findings quantify MBIs' potential for improving immune function and thus impacting somatic disorders.
Comparable studies
Other systematic reviews and meta-analyses on meditation, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Meditation Programs for Psychological Stress and Well-being Diverse adult clinical populations | 2014 | Meta-analysis | n = 3,515 |
| Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction for Stress Management in Healthy People: A Review and Meta-Analysis Healthy subjects | 2009 | Systematic review and meta-analysis | |
| The psychological effects of meditation: A meta-analysis. Nonclinical groups of adult meditators | 2012 | Meta-analysis | n = 163 |
| Efficacy of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy in Prevention of Depressive Relapse Adults with recurrent depression in full or partial remission | 2016 | Meta-analysis of individual patient data from randomized controlled trials | n = 1,258 |
| Mindfulness‐Based Stress Reduction and Mindfulness‐Based Cognitive Therapy – a systematic review of randomized controlled trials | 2011 | Systematic review |
Citations in the library
Cited by 20
- The effect of mindfulness interventions on stress in medical students: A systematic review and meta-analysis. PLoS One 2023
- Situating Meditation Apps Within the Ecosystem of Meditation Practice: Population-Based Survey Study. JMIR Mental Health April 28, 2023
- A randomized controlled trial of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for major depressive disorder in undergraduate students: Dose- response effect, inflammatory markers and BDNF. Psychiatry Research 2024
- The Effects of Mindfulness-Based Interventions on Telomere Length and Telomerase Activity: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Mindfulness January 25, 2023
- A multisite feasibility randomized clinical trial of mindfulness-based resilience training for aggression, stress, and health in law enforcement officers. BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies April 4, 2024
and 15 more in the library
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