Meditation Development in Association with the Biochemical Changes in Intracellular Telomeres: Review Article

Abstract

This study is a review of literature from the scientific and medical databases like Scopus, Pubmed and ScienceDirect between 1975 and 2014. There are 59 articles, which mentioned in the utilization of meditation development on relieving some diseases, have been identified. However, only 18articles were used specifically since they illustrate the connection among meditation development, the length of telomeric DNA and telomerase activity, which is associated with a healthier and longer life down to the cellular level. This study aims to bring awareness to society of the benefits of meditation development on health, and to integrate Buddhist knowledge with empirical scientific information.

          It was found scientifically that in every cycle of cell division, telomeric DNA in the chromosome will be shortened to its critical point called hayflick limit. This is the factor that limits cell division, causing cell senescence and apoptosis, consequently, initiating  age related diseases. Scientific research has found that meditation development is able to reduce the oxidative stress which plays a major role in producing the reactive oxygen species. These molecules ruin the nitrogen bases at the tip of chromosome. Therefore, meditation could eventually reduce the telomere shortening rate. Furthermore, it is capable of increasing the telomerase activity which maintain and increase the telomere length during cell proliferation, and those could indicate a healthier and longer life in humans.

          Conclusion: Meditation development may improve healthy living.