A recent study has revealed a concerning connection between loneliness and social isolation and their detrimental effects on health and lifespan.
On January 3, an international research team from the University of Cambridge, the University of Warwick, and Fudan University published their findings in Nature Human Behavior. The study analyzed blood samples from over 42,000 adults aged 40 to 69 to investigate the impact of loneliness and social isolation on physical health.
Researchers examined the proteome—the complete set of proteins within the body—while adjusting for age, gender, and socioeconomic status. They identified 26 proteins associated with loneliness and 175 linked to social isolation. Approximately 85% of the loneliness-related proteins also overlapped with those tied to social isolation.
Using statistical methods based on Mendelian genetics, the team established causal links between loneliness, social isolation, and specific proteins. They highlighted five proteins, including ADM and ASGR1, which significantly increased due to loneliness.
ADM is key in stress response, regulating stress hormones and oxytocin. ASGR1 is linked to higher cholesterol levels and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Other proteins are associated with insulin resistance, atherosclerosis, and cancer progression.
Dr. Chun Shen from the University of Cambridge noted that while the link between loneliness, social isolation, and poor health outcomes has been well-recognized, the exact mechanisms were unclear. She explained that the study has identified key proteins driving these effects, particularly those that increase directly in response to loneliness.
Professor Barbara Sahakian, also from Cambridge, added that these findings highlight the importance of social interaction and meaningful connections with family and friends for overall health.
This study follows the World Health Organization’s 2023 declaration of social isolation and loneliness as pressing global public health challenges.
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