Effects of mindfulness-based stress reduction on neuropeptide Y plasma levels in stressed individuals.

Abstract

Clinical studies have suggested that dysregulation of the neuropeptide Y (NPY) system may play a role in psychiatric disorders, including chronic stress. Meanwhile, Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) has shown promise for stress-related maladies. However, no studies have explored whether MBSR can change plasma NPY concentration in stressed individuals. Individuals with symptoms of chronic stress were randomly assigned to eight weeks of either MBSR (n=15), a locally-developed stress reduction intervention (LSR) (n=15) or a wait-list control group (n=20). Blood samples were collected at baseline and at a twelve-week follow-up to determine the effects of MBSR or LSR compared to the wait-list control group on NPY levels. The MBSR group had increased plasma NPY levels after the program compared to the waitlist control group, whereas the LSR group was not statistically different from the other groups. This pilot study provides evidence of the feasibility of MBSR to alter plasma NPY.