Loneliness has been linked to a higher risk of heart disease, stroke, and susceptibility to infection, according to new research published in Nature Human Behaviour. The study, which analyzed data from over 42,000 adults aged 40-69 years, found that interactions with friends and family can boost our immune system and reduce the risk of diseases.
Researchers at the University of Cambridge and Fudan University in China examined proteins circulating in blood samples from socially isolated or lonely individuals. They discovered 175 proteins associated with social isolation and 26 proteins linked to loneliness, many of which are produced in response to inflammation and have been linked to cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes.
The study’s findings suggest that social relationships play a crucial role in maintaining our health. The researchers identified five proteins whose abundance was caused by loneliness, including ADM, which plays a role in responding to stress and regulating stress hormones. Higher levels of ADM were linked to lower volume of the insula brain region and an increased risk of early death.
The study’s lead author, Dr. Chun Shen, said: “We know that social isolation and loneliness are linked to poorer health, but we’ve never understood why. Our work has highlighted a number of proteins that appear to play a key role in this relationship.”
The findings emphasize the importance of maintaining social connections to prevent poor health outcomes. As Professor Jianfeng Feng noted, “These proteins give us clues to the biology underpinning poor health among people who are socially isolated or lonely.”
Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-01-loneliness-linked-higher-heart-disease.html