Abstract

Stress is commonly known to induce various responses associated with psycho-somatic diseases, both on the general physical level and on a subtler molecular level. A growing interest has been seen in the use of yoga therapy to cope with stress. Though several control trials have shown a positive effect of yoga on stress, the extent to which adjuvant therapies like yoga may or may not have an effect on stress on the molecular level in the human body, as well as the mechanism involved in their potential efficacy, require further exploration.

Aim: To investigate the role of yoga in alleviating chromosomal translocations in security guards.

Methodology: The subjects' stress levels were evaluated using molecular parameters and Cohen’s Perceived Stress Scale, followed by an assessment of chromosomal translocations for t(14;18) and t(11;14) and an assessment of the DNA damage response and DNA repair through immunofluorescence and gene expression analysis.

Results and Conclusion: Yoga decreases cortisol levels among practitioners. It may also affect the DNA damage response and DNA repair.

Conflict of Interest: No conflicts of interest.

Need for this Study: This study may provide explanatory and exploratory ground for scientists in this field and help clinicians better understand the benefits of yoga as an adjunctive therapy for chronic diseases. This study may also provide research-based guidance for policy-makers internationally.