Mindfulness y epigenética: el papel de la mente en la regulación génica y la salud
Tammy Isabel Fiallos-Ramírez, Luis Leandro Campaña-Poveda, Walter Alberto Vayas-Valdivieso
CIENCIAMATRIA October 15, 2026 DOI: 10.35381/cm.v12i6.3351 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Systematised literature review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Intervention | Mindfulness practice |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Key findings | The authors report that mindfulness practice reduced expression of proinflammatory genes and histone deacetylases, altered methylation of immune genes, and was associated with slower epigenetic ageing in long-term practitioners, while effects on telomeres and systemic inflammation were inconsistent. They conclude the effect depends on the intensity and duration of practice. |
Abstract
Chronic stress induces epigenetic changes that favour inflammation and disease risk, while mindfulness has become established as a stress-reduction strategy. The study therefore aimed to analyse the relationship between mindfulness practice and the epigenetic processes linked to stress, inflammation and cellular ageing within public health. A systematised literature review of clinical trials, observational studies and reviews was conducted in Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed and PsycINFO. Mindfulness practice reduced the expression of proinflammatory genes and histone deacetylases, modified the methylation of immune genes and was associated with slower epigenetic ageing in long-term practitioners, with inconsistent effects on telomeres and systemic inflammation. It was concluded that the effect depends on the intensity and duration of practice.
Comparable studies
Other narrative reviews on meditation, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mindfulness training as a clinical intervention: A conceptual and empirical review. Clinical populations | 2003 | Review | |
| Mindfulness: Theoretical Foundations and Evidence for its Salutary Effects | 2007 | Review | |
| Mindfulness Interventions | 2016 | Review | |
| Mind the Hype: A Critical Evaluation and Prescriptive Agenda for Research on Mindfulness and Meditation | 2017 | Review | |
| Mindfulness and acceptance: expanding the cognitive-behavioral tradition | 2005 | Review |