New research suggests that interactions with friends and family can positively impact our health by boosting our immune system and reducing the risk of diseases such as heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. A study conducted by researchers from the UK and China, published in the journal Nature Human Behaviour, examined proteins from blood samples of over 42,000 adults recruited to the UK Biobank. The researchers found that social relationships play a crucial role in overall wellbeing, as evidence suggests that both social isolation and loneliness are linked to poorer health outcomes and premature death.
Proteins are molecules produced by our genes that are essential for the proper functioning of our bodies. By analyzing the proteomes in blood samples from the participants, the researchers were able to identify which proteins were present in higher levels among individuals who experienced social isolation or loneliness, and how these proteins were connected to poorer health outcomes. Social isolation is an objective measure based on factors such as living alone, social contact frequency, and participation in social activities, while loneliness is a subjective measure based on an individual’s feelings of loneliness.
The team identified 175 proteins associated with social isolation and 26 proteins associated with loneliness, with approximately 85% of the proteins being shared between the two. Many of these proteins are produced in response to inflammation, viral infection, and immune responses, and have been linked to cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, stroke, and early death. Using Mendelian randomization, a statistical technique, the researchers explored the causal relationship between social isolation, loneliness, and proteins, identifying five proteins whose abundance was directly impacted by loneliness.
The study results highlighted the role of specific proteins in the relationship between social relationships and health outcomes, emphasizing the importance of social connections in overall health and wellbeing. One protein, ADM, which is produced in higher levels due to loneliness, plays a role in responding to stress and regulating stress and social hormones like oxytocin. Higher levels of ADM were associated with decreased brain volume in regions involved in emotional and social processes, as well as an increased risk of early death. Another protein, ASGR1, is associated with higher cholesterol and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
The findings of the research drive home the significance of social contact in maintaining good health, especially considering the growing prevalence of loneliness and social isolation across all age groups. The World Health Organization has described social isolation and loneliness as a global public health concern, and finding ways to tackle this issue and keep people connected is crucial for promoting overall health and wellbeing. The study was supported by various funding sources, highlighting the importance of further research in exploring the biological mechanisms underlying the impact of social relationships on health outcomes.
