Concentration/Meditation Limits Inflammation

Summary

Auto-immune diseases are characterized by an inappropriate inflammatory response against tissues in the body and represent a major health care burden. Pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β play a central role in the pathophysiology of many auto-immune diseases. Innovative therapies aimed at limiting pro-inflammatory cytokine production in a more physiological manner are warranted. In previous research conducted in an individual known as "the iceman", the investigators found that, through a autodidact concentration/meditation technique, he appears to mount a controlled stress response, characterized by activation of the sympathetic nervous system and enhanced production of cortisol, both of which are known to result in immunosuppression. In accordance, while practicing this concentration/meditation technique, the inflammatory response during human endotoxemia (lipopolysaccharide \[LPS\] administration) was remarkably low in this individual. Therefore, this technique could provide a novel means of controlling the inflammatory response. However, the aforementioned results were obtained in just one subject, and hence can not serve as scientific evidence for the effectiveness of the concentration/meditation technique. The iceman claims that he can teach this technique to other subjects within a relatively short time frame. Therefore, in the present study the investigators wish to investigate the effect of concentration/meditation on autonomic nervous system activity and the inflammatory response during experimental human endotoxemia in a controlled manner, by comparing a group of subjects that are trained by "the iceman" and practice the concentration/meditation technique with a group of subjects which do not.

Conditions

• Autoimmune Diseases

Interventions

DRUG

Lipopolysaccharide

LPS is used to elicit an inflammatory response in all subjects.

BEHAVIORAL

Concentration/meditation

A self-taught concentration/meditation technique that Mr Wim Hof developed himself, characterized by cycles consisting of a few minutes of hyperventilation followed by breath holding for up to 1-2 minutes and deep concentration (mindset).

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Radboud University Medical Center

  lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

• M. Kox, Dr. · Intensive Care Medicine, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre

• P. Pickkers, MD, PhD · Intensive Care Medicine, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

BASIC_SCIENCE

Masking

NONE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

18 Years

Max Age

35 Years

Sex

MALE

Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2013-02-28

Primary Completion

2013-06-30

Completion

2013-07-31

Countries

• Netherlands

Study Locations