Mirthful laughter, as adjunct therapy in diabetic care, attenuates catecholamines, inflammatory cytokines, C‐RP, and myocardial infarction occurrence

Abstract

Objectives: Catecholamines are implicated in causing arrhythmias, hypertension, and MI. Inflammatory cytokines TNF‐α, IFN‐γ and IL‐6 contribute to the acceleration of atherosclerosis. Attenuation of catecholamines and inflammatory cytokines may provide cardiovascular protection. We hypothesized that mirthful laughter, by diminishing catecholamines production, can attenuate inflammatory cytokines, and provide cardiovascular protection.Methods: We divided 20 high risk diabetic patients with hypertension and hyperlipidemia into 2 matched groups and followed them for one year in our Metabolic Syndrome Clinic. The experimental group was asked to view self‐selected humor for 30 minutes daily as an adjunct to standard diabetes (glipizide, TZD, metformin), hypertension (ACE inhibitor or ARB) and hyperlipidemia (statin) therapies. Plasma fractionated catecholamines levels, lipid panel, TNF‐α, IFN‐γ, IL‐6, and CRP were monitored and assayed every 2 months.Results: Patients in the laughter group had lower EP and NEP levels by 2 months, increased HDL cholesterol, decreased TNF‐α, IFN‐γ, IL‐6 and CRP levels by 4 months, and a lower incidence of MI (1/10) than the control group (3/10).Conclusions: Addition of mirthful laughter may be an effective cardiovascular preventive adjunct in diabetes mellitus and metabolic syndrome care. These effects may contribute to lower MI occurrence.