Unraveling the impact of oxytocin receptor gene methylation on stress and inflammation in older adults.

Kylie A Wright, Rebecca J Polk, Tian Lin, Shanting Chen, Janie Yang, Kathleen Krol, Allison Perkeybile, Armando Mendez, Jessica Connelly, Natalie C Ebner

Department of Psychology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA.Department of Psychology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA. · pubmed

Paper

Abstract

Oxytocin (OT) is a neuropeptide involved, among other functions, in the regulation of stress and inflammation. OT's impact on inflammatory and stress-related processes is particularly relevant in older adults, given that elevated levels of systemic inflammation typically associated with age can be amplified by stress. Methylation of the OT receptor gene (OXTRm) is an epigenetic process that reduces the availability of receptors to bind with OT. While acute stress has been shown to increase OXTRm levels in older adults, the interplay of OXTRm and stress on inflammation remains unexamined. This study collected blood samples from 116 generally healthy older adults (M

The following analysis is generated by AI and may contain errors. It is separate from the authors’ abstract and is not peer review.

Research summary

The paper claims that the methylation of the oxytocin receptor gene influences stress and inflammation in older adults. This research is relevant as it explores the epigenetic mechanisms that may contribute to the aging process and age-related inflammation, potentially addressing root causes of aging rather than merely treating symptoms.

Author of this paper? Send a correction.