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Tue, January 7, 2025

Loneliness And Social Isolation Are Linked To Specific Proteins: Study


Published on 2025-01-07 00:22:22 - NDTV
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  • Human beings are inherently social. We thrive on connection, communication and shared experiences, which help shape our identities and foster a sense of belonging.

A recent study published in the journal Nature Human Behaviour has found that loneliness and social isolation are associated with specific proteins in the blood. Researchers from the University of Bristol and the University of Exeter analyzed data from over 4,000 participants in the UK Biobank study, identifying 47 proteins linked to loneliness and 54 proteins related to social isolation. These proteins are involved in various biological processes, including inflammation, immune response, and stress regulation. The study suggests that these protein markers could potentially be used to develop new interventions or treatments to mitigate the health risks associated with loneliness and social isolation, which are known to increase the risk of conditions like heart disease, stroke, and dementia. The findings underscore the physiological impact of social connections on health, highlighting the need for addressing social isolation as a public health issue.

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[ https://www.ndtv.com/feature/loneliness-and-social-isolation-are-linked-to-specific-proteins-study-7417220 ]
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