News Finding: While the American Heart Association already classifies meditation as a preventative measure against inflammatory disorders, the new study could provide an explanation of the biological mechanisms behind such health benefits.
Paper Finding: (H and I) HDAC2 and RIPK2 gene expression correlation with cortisol recovery after acute psychological stress.
News Context: "Most interestingly, the changes were observed in genes that are the current targets of anti-inflammatory and analgesic drugs." While the American Heart Association already classifies meditation as a preventative measure against inflammatory disorders, the new study could provide an explanation of the biological mechanisms behind such health benefits. "Our findings set the foundation for future studies to further assess meditation strategies for the treatment of chronic inflammatory conditions."
Paper Context: (E) Cyclooxygenase 2 (COX2) gene expression (mean AE SE; *p < 0.05). (H and I) HDAC2 and RIPK2 gene expression correlation with cortisol recovery after acute psychological stress. that mindfulness meditation practice influences mechanisms similar to those targeted by different anti-inflammatory drugs such as HDACi or cyclooxygenase inhibitors.