physiological effects of stress reduction

Hello all,
Here is an interesting study on "Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction in Relation to Quality of Life, Mood, Symptoms of Stress, and Immune Parameters in Breast and Prostate Cancer Outpatients"
Here is the summary:

Objectives: This study investigated the relationships between a mindfulness-based stress reduction meditation program for early
stage breast and prostate cancer patients and quality of life, mood states, stress symptoms, lymphocyte counts, and cytokine
production. Methods: Forty-nine patients with breast cancer and 10 with prostate cancer participated in an 8-week MBSR program
that incorporated relaxation, meditation, gentle yoga, and daily home practice. Demographic and health behavior variables, quality
of life (EORTC QLQ C-30), mood (POMS), stress (SOSI), and counts of NK, NKT, B, T total, T helper, and T cytotoxic cells,
as well as NK and T cell production of TNF, IFN-
, IL-4, and IL-10 were assessed pre- and postintervention. Results: Fifty-nine
and 42 patients were assessed pre- and postintervention, respectively. Significant improvements were seen in overall quality of life,
symptoms of stress, and sleep quality. Although there were no significant changes in the overall number of lymphocytes or cell
subsets, T cell production of IL-4 increased and IFN-
decreased, whereas NK cell production of IL-10 decreased. These results
are consistent with a shift in immune profile from one associated with depressive symptoms to a more normal profile. Conclusions:
MBSR participation was associated with enhanced quality of life and decreased stress symptoms in breast and prostate cancer
patients. This study is also the first to show changes in cancer-related cytokine production associated with program participation.

The study is 11 pages long so if you want to read the whole article:
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The link is:

http://www.psychosomaticmedicine.org/cgi/c...t/full/65/4/571


Regards,

Al