The effect of meditation on telomerase and stem cell

Meditation has garnered increasing interest due to its potential effects on cellular aging processes, particularly telomere and stem cells. This narrative review aims to synthesize existing research on how meditation affects telomeres and stem cells. Meditation significantly influences telomere through stress reduction, immune system, inflammation, and oxidative stress modulation. Meditation has been shown to reduce stress, improve circadian rhythms, and modulate the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, thereby decreasing cortisol levels and promoting telomere maintenance. Melatonin, elevated through meditation, further supports telomere health by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation. Meditation also affects the activity of genes associated with inflammation and stress response, contributing to telomere integrity. Through increasing antioxidant defenses and reducing oxidative damage, meditation also reduces oxidative stress that can damage telomeres. In the context of stem cells, meditation may also increase telomerase activity (TA), which plays a role in maintaining telomere length (TL) and supporting stem cell function essential for tissue regeneration. Despite promising findings, gaps remain in understanding the precise mechanisms through which meditation modulates telomere and stem cells. Future research should further elucidate the mechanisms involved and explore the long-term implications of meditation on cellular aging processes.