Relationships with our loved ones could well be an essential key to preserving our health. A recent study reveals that these interactions directly influence our immune system and reduce the risk of serious illnesses.
Researchers have looked at the biological mechanisms that link social isolation and loneliness to poor health. By analyzing thousands of proteins in the blood, they discovered key markers associated with these states, opening new perspectives on the impact of human relationships on our well-being.
Proteins, witnesses of our social health
The study was based on blood samples from 42,000 adults from the UK Biobank. Scientists identified 175 proteins linked to social isolation and 26 to loneliness. These proteins, often involved ininflammation and immune responses, are also associated with diseases such as diabetes or strokes.
Among these proteins, some play an important role in the regulation of stress and emotions. For example, ADM, produced in larger quantities quantity in lonely people, affects brain areas linked to self-perception and social interactions.
The biological consequences of loneliness
Loneliness seems to have a direct impact on certain proteins, such as ASGR1, linked to cholesterol and cardiovascular diseases. Other proteins identified are involved in processes such as resistance toinsulin or the progression of cancer. These findings suggest that loneliness acts as a risk factor biological, well beyond its psychological effects.
The researchers used a statistical method to establish a causal link between loneliness and the increase in these proteins. This confirms that social isolation is not only a state of mind, but also a condition that profoundly changes our biology.
Towards better prevention
These results underline the importance of maintaining social connections to preserve one’s health. The authors of the study call for concrete actions to combat isolation, a problem of public health croissant. Targeted interventions could thus help reduce the risks of illnesses linked to loneliness.
By better understanding the biological mechanisms at play, scientists hope to develop preventive treatments. The proteins identified could become therapeutic targets, offering new avenues for improving the health of isolated people.
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