Immune system and epigenomics under the light of spirituality/religiosity

Abstract

Introduction: In the scenario of spirituality, immunity, and health, psychological science is considering spirituality/ religiosity (S/R) as a legitimate issue in understanding the human experience, as it can reduce pro-inflammatory cytokines, aberrant DNA methylation, and strengthen immunity. Objective: It was to evaluate the results of clinical studies that addressed the influence of spirituality/ religiosity on the human immune system, gene expression, and health in general. Methods: The systematic review rules of the PRISMA Platform were followed. The search was carried out from October to December 2022 in the Scopus, PubMed, Science Direct, Scielo, and Google Scholar databases, using articles from 2005 to 2022. The quality of the studies was based on the GRADE instrument and the risk of bias was analyzed accordingly. according to the Cochrane instrument. Results and Conclusion: A total of 120 articles were found, 55 articles were evaluated in full and 31 were included and developed in this systematic review study. Considering the Cochrane tool for risk of bias, the overall assessment resulted in 15 studies with a high risk of bias and 32 studies that did not meet GRADE. Results and Conclusion: Spirituality/religiosity plays an important role in epigenomic modulations, given that altered gene transcription and aberrant DNA methylation were observed in the CNS and peripheral T lymphocytes. Church attendance is associated with less herpesvirus reactivation, as indicated by lower levels of CMV IgG antibody titers. Furthermore, better self-reported health was associated with better functioning of the immune system. Spirituality can be considered a good coping strategy used by health professionals to promote mental health, well-being, and strengthening immunity during the COVID-19 pandemic.