Loneliness

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The molecular signature of loneliness:

In their study, Dr. Cole and colleagues at UCLA and the University of Chicago used DNA microarrays to survey the activity of all known human genes in white blood cells from 14 individuals in the Chicago Health, Aging and Social Relations Study. . . .

Genes overexpressed in high-lonely individuals included many involved in immune system activation and inflammation. However, several key gene sets were underexpressed, including those involved in antiviral responses and antibody production. . . . "These findings provide molecular targets for our efforts to block the adverse health effects of social isolation," said Dr. Cole.