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

Background: 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. Method: 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. Results: 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. Conclusion: This pilot study provides evidence of the feasibility of MBSR to alter plasma NPY.