Religion, spirituality, and DNA methylation in HPA-axis genes among Hispanic/Latino adults

Investigate associations between religion and spirituality (R&amp;S) and DNA methylation of four HPA-axis genes (i.e. 14 CpG sites) among 992 adults from the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos cohorts. We assessed 1) the association between R&amp;S measures and mean percent methylation overall and stratified by nativity status (US-born or immigrant) and 2) if interactions between R&amp;S and methylation differed by nativity status. Among individuals with the <i>FKBP5</i> CC genotype, increased spirituality scores were associated with significantly lower methylation levels among immigrants, compared to US-born participants. Organizational religiosity (e.g. service attendance) was associated with increased <i>FKBP5</i> (CC genotype) methylation among immigrants. R&amp;S may influence HPA-axis functioning differently based on nativity status; a finding that could offer insight into mechanisms leading to health disparities. Hispanics/Latinos, the largest racial/ethnic minority group in the United States, face significant stressors and health challenges. Religion and spirituality are key sources of resilience, particularly for immigrants. However, the ways in which religion and spirituality influence genes related to health outcomes are not yet fully understood. In this study, we found that religion and spirituality impact a key gene in the body’s stress response system differently between immigrants and US-born individuals. We suggest that future research should explore how varying stressors and resilience factors affect these two groups, with the goal of improving health outcomes for all Hispanics/Latinos.