"The genes of loneliness"

Loneliness was associated with a genetic predisposition

Scientists from the University of Cambridge, using data from the UK Biobank, found 15 DNA sites that, according to them, are associated with loneliness. The study is published in the journal Nature Communications (Day et al., Elucidating the genetic basis of social interaction and isolation).

In total, geneticists analyzed the questionnaires of 452,302 people participating in the UK Biobank program. Biobank is a long—term study designed to monitor the health status of half a million people for 30 years since 2006.

To assess the degree of loneliness of a person, the researchers conducted a questionnaire consisting of three parts. The first part asked the question: "Do you often feel lonely?" The second part consisted of two questions: "How many people live in your house, including you?" and "How often do you visit friends, relatives or they visit you?" In the third part, respondents were asked the last question: "How often do you rely on your loved ones?"

The scientists then used genome-wide association search (GWAS) to identify the loci responsible for loneliness. According to experts, they found 15 sites. John Perry participated in the work told about the conclusions:

"We often think that loneliness is caused solely by our environment and life experience, but this study demonstrates that genes also play a role. They always act in concert with the environment, hence the assumption that if we defeat obesity at the population level, we will be able to eliminate loneliness."

Loci responsible for four types of social interactions / Nature Communications

In addition, the scientists told about the identification of other loci associated with visits to the gym (N = 6), pub (N = 13) and religious groups (N = 18). According to them, further study will help determine the risk factors associated with social isolation.

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