Interplay of genetics and loneliness
Interplay of genetics and loneliness
Interplay of genetics and loneliness
Effects of loneliness are not determined by genetics but an interaction of social interaction and genetic disposition
CRHR1
Corticotropin Releasing Hormone Receptor 1
The expression of CRHR1, a major regulator of the HPA axis, is highly associated with levels of social interaction in geriatric population.
Perceived social isolation leads to change in CRHR1 variants and further leads to dysregulation of the neuroendocrine system
Social interaction highly correlate with loneliness gene expression
Research has shown that social interactions such as involvement in religious groups, sports groups, or social groups have high influence on people's susceptibility to loneliness.
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This shows an inseparable effect of social environment interacting genetic disposition. Both players together shape the trait of loneliness.
Loneliness is highly related to mental health and neurodegenerative diseases
Gene expression pattern of loneliness has a high correlation with depressive symptoms and neurodegenerative diseases.
This shows a feedback loop of depressive issues in the elderly population and the problem of loneliness
Genetic disposition for loneliness and upregulation of genes related to loneliness
Social interaction highly affects gene variants and gene expression associated with loneliness
Downstream physical health effects in relation to loneliness and gene expression
Downstream physical health effects
Sources:
1. Chou, Kee Lee et al. (2014). Influence of Social Environment on Loneliness in Older Adults: Moderation by Polymorphism in the CRHR1. The American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry. 22(5). 510-518.
2. Day. Felix et al. (2018). Elucidating the genetic basis of social interaction and isolation. Nat Commun 9, 2457.