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Psychosocial stress-associated alterations in microRNAs and their relevance for metabolic diseases: A systematic

Nele Reinsberg1,2, Ankush Borlepawar1,3, Parvana Hajieva1,3

  • 1Department of Human Medicine, Medical Faculty, MSH Medical School Hamburg - University of Applied Sciences and Medical University, Am Kaiserkai 1, Hamburg, 20457, Germany.

Comprehensive Psychoneuroendocrinology
|August 9, 2026
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Psychosocial stress alters microRNA (miRNA) expression in humans. This review identifies 34 differentially expressed miRNAs, highlighting their potential role in stress-related illnesses and metabolic disease mechanisms.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics
  • Psychoneuroendocrinology

Background:

  • Psychosocial stress is linked to physical and mental health issues.
  • The molecular pathways underlying stress responses are not fully elucidated.
  • MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are implicated in stress reactivity and disease development.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To systematically review human studies on psychosocial stress-induced miRNA expression changes.
  • To explore the potential implications of these miRNA alterations for metabolic diseases.

Main Methods:

  • Systematic literature search across four databases (EBSCO, PSYNDEX, PubMed, Web of Science).
  • Inclusion of original peer-reviewed studies investigating miRNA changes in adults under psychosocial stress.
  • Quality assessment of all included studies.

Main Results:

  • Twelve studies involving 489 participants (aged 18-84) were included.
  • Diverse methods were used to induce and measure psychosocial stress.
  • Thirty-four miRNAs were found to be differentially expressed in response to psychosocial stress across various biological samples.

Conclusions:

  • Psychosocial stress leads to alterations in human miRNA expression.
  • High heterogeneity in study designs limits direct comparison of findings.
  • Investigating stress-related miRNA changes offers promise for disease prevention, treatment, and understanding metabolic disease mechanisms.
Keywords:
EpigeneticsGene expressionMetabolic diseasesMetabolismPsychosocial stressSystematic reviewmicroRNA

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