Distinct transcriptional and metabolic profiles associated with empathy in Buddhist priests: a pilot study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Growing evidence suggests that spiritual/religious involvement may have beneficial effects on both psychological and physical functions. However, the biological basis for this relationship remains unclear. This study explored the role of spiritual/religious involvement across a wide range of biological markers, including transcripts and metabolites, associated with the psychological aspects of empathy in Buddhist priests.

Methods

Ten professional Buddhist priests and 10 age-matched non-priest controls were recruited. The participants provided peripheral blood samples for the analysis of gene expression and metabolic profiles. The participants also completed validated questionnaires measuring empathy, the Health-Promoting Lifestyle Profile-II (HPLP-II), and a brief

SUBMITTER: Ohnishi J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5581455 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature