Exploring the boundaries between epigenetics and religiosity/spirituality: a systematic review

Area of Science:

• Epigenetics
• Molecular Biology
• Psychoneuroimmunology

Background:

• Established links exist between religiosity/spirituality (R/S) and health.
• Underlying molecular mechanisms connecting R/S and health remain largely unexplored.
• Epigenetic modifications represent a potential pathway for these associations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review epigenetic and related molecular pathways linking R/S to health.
• To synthesize current evidence on gene-expression-related outcomes influenced by R/S.
• To identify gaps and limitations in existing research.

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature search of EMBASE, PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus databases.
• Inclusion of studies assessing R/S variables and gene-expression outcomes (DNA methylation, microRNAs, etc.).
• Narrative synthesis of findings and risk of bias assessment using Joanna Briggs Institute tools.

Main Results:

• Thirty-six studies with 43,671 participants were included.
• R/S was associated with inflammatory markers (e.g., CRP), stress hormones (cortisol), and gene-regulatory markers.
• Consistent inverse associations were found for C-reactive protein (CRP); a tendency toward lower cortisol with higher R/S was observed; other outcomes were mixed.

Conclusions:

• Evidence suggests a potential beneficial epigenetic influence of R/S on health.
• Methodological limitations, heterogeneity, and limited longitudinal data restrict definitive conclusions.
• Future research should prioritize prospective designs, standardized measures, and larger sample sizes.