Proteins Linked to Loneliness in Your Blood May Threaten Your Health

Humans are naturally social creatures, thriving on connection, communication, and shared experiences that shape our identities and create a sense of belonging. However, in today’s fast-paced, digital world, feelings of loneliness and social isolation have become disturbingly widespread.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has highlighted the widespread nature of loneliness, with approximately 25 percent of older adults experiencing social isolation and 5 percent to 15 percent of adolescents feeling lonely.

The Health Risks of Social Isolation and Loneliness

These statistics are significant because research has shown that social isolation and loneliness are linked to an increased risk of disease and premature death. In fact, a study we published in 2022 revealed that older adults who experience social isolation face a 26 percent higher risk of developing dementia. We also found a connection between loneliness and depression.

Building on our previous research, we aimed to explore the biological processes that explain why social isolation and loneliness have such negative effects on our health. What makes loneliness so harmful to our bodies and minds?

We focused on proteomics, the study of proteins, because proteins play a crucial role in gene expression—the process through which the information in a gene is translated into biological activity. Additionally, proteins are key targets for drug development.

In a collaborative study between the University of Cambridge and Fudan University, published in Nature Human Behaviour, we analyzed data from 42,062 participants in the UK Biobank and examined 2,920 plasma proteins.

The Role of Proteins in Loneliness and Social Isolation

We investigated the link between proteins and self-reported loneliness and social isolation, discovering that proteins strongly associated with these conditions also play a role in inflammation, antiviral, and immune responses.

Specifically, our study suggested that loneliness might contribute to higher levels of five particular proteins expressed in the brain: GFRA1, ADM, FABP4, TNFRSF10A, and ASGR1.

In other words, all the proteins we identified as being related to loneliness were “positively associated,” meaning that individuals who experience loneliness tend to have higher levels of these proteins compared to those who do not feel lonely.

We also analyzed data that followed the health of participants for approximately 14 years. This revealed that more than half of the proteins were linked to cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, stroke, and mortality.

The Impact of Social Connections on Health

Our findings suggest that maintaining strong social connections and avoiding loneliness may promote health by lowering certain harmful proteins. However, proteins alone may not fully explain the connection between loneliness and health—other factors, such as social stress, may also contribute.

To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first to demonstrate how loneliness can impact morbidity and mortality through its association with these five key proteins.

Social isolation and loneliness impact individuals of all ages and genders, contributing to significant mental and physical health issues. This study provides insight into how these effects manifest at a biological level.

It highlights the importance of engaging in social activities, such as volunteering or team sports, to mitigate the impact of social isolation and loneliness on the biological processes that influence health outcomes.

The Paradox of Digital Connectivity and Loneliness

Although technology provides new avenues for staying connected, it can sometimes result in shallow relationships that leave us feeling more isolated. This paradox—being surrounded by digital communication yet feeling deeply alone—highlights the need for genuine, meaningful social connections.

Face-to-face interactions, which include non-verbal communication, often lead to stronger connections. In fact, one study found that people communicating in person had more positive impressions than those interacting through a computer.

Social interactions are crucial for our overall wellbeing, benefiting both physical and mental health. They help reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and support immune function. They also enhance cognitive health and promote brain wellness. Additionally, they can increase empathy and understanding, boosting emotional resilience and mental strength.

To cultivate a thriving society, it’s essential that we build meaningful connections with one another.

Read the original article on: Science Alert

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