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This study aims to characterize the molecular mechanisms behind mind-body interventions' effects on inflammation.

January 20, 20260 citationsOpen Access

Transcriptional Signature of Mind-Body Interventions on Inflammatory Gene Expression: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Key Points

This study aims to characterize the molecular mechanisms behind mind-body interventions' effects on inflammation.
Systematic review and meta-analysis of publicly available datasets from the Gene Expression Omnibus.
Analysis of three datasets representing diverse populations and blood samples.
Differential expression analysis to identify significant gene changes post-intervention.
Pathway enrichment analysis to assess modulation of key signaling pathways.
Identified 94 genes with consistent changes across studies, including 52 upregulated and 42 downregulated genes.
Differential expression found in 2.7% to 4.4% of probes, indicating modest effect sizes.
Significant modulation observed in NF-κB signaling, inflammatory response, and stress response pathways.

Abstract

Mind-body interventions (MBIs) such as meditation, mindfulness, and yoga have demonstrated beneficial effects on psychological well-being and physical health; however, the molecular mechanisms underlying these effects remain incompletely characterized. This dissertation presents a systematic review and meta-analysis examining the transcriptional signature of mind-body interventions on inflammatory gene expression using publicly available datasets from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO). Grounded in the Quantum Psychoneuroimmunotheology (QPNIT) theoretical framework—a novel transdisciplinary model integrating psychoneuroimmunology, quantum physics, and theology—this study tests predictions regarding how contemplative practices modulate gene expression through psychoneuroimmunological pathways. Three GEO datasets meeting inclusion criteria were analyzed: GSE10041 (Relaxation Response training, 8 weeks), GSE108215 (Mindfulness Awareness Practice, 8 weeks), and GSE44777 (Sudarshan Kriya Yoga, 4 days), representing 236 blood samples from diverse populations. Differential expression analysis revealed that 2.7% to 4.4% of probes demonstrated nominally significant changes following interventions. Meta-analysis using Fisher's combined probability method identified 94 genes with consistent direction of regulation across studies, comprising 52 upregulated and 42 downregulated genes. Effect sizes were modest (log2 fold change range: 0.04–0.19), consistent with the expected magnitude of behavioral intervention effects. Pathway enrichment analysis revealed significant modulation of NF-κB signaling, inflammatory response, and stress response pathways, supporting QPNIT Proposition 3 regarding the measurable biological effects of spiritual and contemplative practices. These findings provide molecular-level evidence for the biological embeddedness of mind-body intervention effects and identify potential transcriptional biomarkers for meditation response. Implications for integrative medicine, personalized healthcare, and future research directions are discussed. Keywords: mind-body interventions, gene expression, inflammation, NF-κB, meditation, psychoneuroimmunology, QPNIT, meta-analysis

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