Mind-body exercises (MBEs), such as Tai Chi and yoga, have demonstrated benef icial effects on cognitive function and stress resilience across various populations.How ever, the biological mechanisms underlying these effects are not yet fully understood.Recent studies suggest that MBEs may influence neurobiological systems through epig enetic regulation, including DNA methylation, histone modifications, and non-coding R NAs.This review critically evaluates the current empirical evidence linking MBEs to epigenetic changes and explores their potential downstream effects on neural circuitry and cognitive outcomes.Special attention is given to biomarkers such as brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), glucocorticoid receptor (NR3C1), and FKBP5, which are i nvolved in stress regulation and neuroplasticity.While preliminary findings are promisi ng, most studies to date are cross-sectional, involve small sample sizes, or lack mecha J o u r n a l P r e -p r o o f nistic validation.We propose a conceptual epigenetic-neural circuit model to guide fut ure research into how MBEs may induce lasting neurobiological adaptations.Clarifying these mechanisms is crucial for the development of targeted, evidence-based interventi ons to support healthy cognitive aging and stress regulation.
Gu et al. (Wed,) studied this question.