Mind-body exercise as epigenetic modulators: Rewiring neural circuits for stress resilience and cognitive aging.
Level 5 - mechanism / opinion, no new human data
Narrative review proposing a conceptual model without systematic review methodology.
PubMed 42093852 · doi:10.1016/j.ibneur.2026.04.010
What was done
This narrative review critically evaluated empirical literature linking mind-body exercises (such as Tai Chi and yoga) to epigenetic mechanisms, including DNA methylation, histone modifications, and non-coding RNAs. The authors focused on downstream effects on neural circuits and biomarkers involved in stress regulation and neuroplasticity (BDNF, NR3C1, and FKBP5), and proposed a conceptual epigenetic-neural circuit model.
What was found
The abstract reports no quantitative metrics or effect sizes. It describes preliminary associations between mind-body exercise and epigenetic modifications of stress- and plasticity-related pathways, while noting that most available studies are cross-sectional, have small sample sizes, and lack direct mechanistic validation.
Why it matters
It outlines a biological framework connecting behavioral mind-body practices to molecular epigenetic changes that could mediate stress resilience and cognitive preservation in aging.
Limits
As a narrative review, it does not use systematic review or meta-analytic methods. The underlying evidence base cited by the authors is constrained by small sample sizes, cross-sectional designs, and an absence of causal mechanistic validation in humans.
Cited by
- supports Lifestyle, nutrition, and metabolic health can influence gene expression related to brain health and cognitive resilience.