Genomic profiling of neutrophil transcripts in Asian practitioners: a pilot study in gene regulation by mind-body interaction.

Background and objectives: The great similarity of the genomes of humans and other species stimulated us to search for genes regulated by elements associated with human uniqueness, such as the mind-body interaction. DNA microarray technology offers the advantage of analyzing thousands of genes simul...

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Publicado en:Journal of Alternative & Complementary Medicine Vol. 11; no. 1; pp. 29 - 40
Autores principales: Li Q, Li P, Garcia GE, Johnson RJ, Feng L
Formato: pictorial research tables/charts Journal Article
Publicado: Mary Ann Liebert, Inc. Feb2005
Acceso en línea:Ver este registro en EBSCOhost
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      dt: Feb2005
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      pub: Mary Ann Liebert, Inc.
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        atl: Genomic profiling of neutrophil transcripts in Asian practitioners: a pilot study in gene regulation by mind-body interaction.
      aug:
        au:
          Li Q
          Li P
          Garcia GE
          Johnson RJ
          Feng L
        affil: Microarray Core, Center for Immunology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX
      sug:
        subj:
          Genome, Human
          Health Status
          Medicine, Chinese Traditional
          Mind Body Techniques
          Neutrophils Analysis
          Asians
          Comparative Studies
          Data Analysis
          Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay
          Female
          Funding Source
          Immunity
          Male
          Pilot Studies
          Human
          Female
          Male
      ab: Background and objectives: The great similarity of the genomes of humans and other species stimulated us to search for genes regulated by elements associated with human uniqueness, such as the mind-body interaction. DNA microarray technology offers the advantage of analyzing thousands of genes simultaneously, with the potential to determine healthy phenotypic changes in gene expression. The aim of this study was to determine the genomic profile and function of neutrophils in Falun Gong (FLG, an ancient Chinese Qigong) practitioners, with healthy subjects as controls. Subjects and design: Six (6) Asian FLG practitioners and 6 Asian normal healthy controls were recruited for our study. The practitioners have practiced FLG for at least 1 year (range, 1-5 years). The practice includes daily reading of FLG books and daily practice of exercises lasting 1-2 hours. Selected normal healthy controls did not perform Qigong, yoga, t'ai chi, or any other type of mind-body practice, and had not followed any conventional physical exercise program for at least 1 year. Neutrophils were isolated from fresh blood and assayed for gene expression, using microarrays and RNase protection assay (RPA), as well as for function (phagocytosis) and survival (apoptosis). Results: The changes in gene expression of FLG practitioners in contrast to normal healthy controls were characterized by enhanced immunity, downregulation of cellular metabolism, and alteration of apoptotic genes in favor of a rapid resolution of inflammation. The lifespan of normal neutrophils was prolonged, while the inflammatory neutrophils displayed accelerated cell death in FLG practitioners as determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Correlating with enhanced immunity reflected by microarray data, neutrophil phagocytosis was significantly increased in Qigong practitioners. Some of the altered genes observed by microarray were confirmed by RPA. Conclusion: Qigong practice may regulate immunity, metabolic rate, and cell death, possibly at the transcriptional level. Our pilot study provides the first evidence that Qigong practice may exert transcriptional regulation at a genomic level. New approaches are needed to study how genes are regulated by elements associated with human uniqueness, such as consciousness, cognition, and spirituality.
      pubtype: Academic Journal
      doctype:
        pictorial
        research
        tables/charts
        Journal Article
      ougenre: Article
    language: English
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