Fig. 3

Scatter plots of representative correlation between the molecular markers identified in the priests and empathy. Spearman’s rank correlation coefficients were calculated. Dots represent subjects (circle, priests; square, controls). a C17orf97 transcript vs. 3-aminoisobutyric acid (BAIBA) metabolite (ρ = − 0.636). b IFIT3 transcript vs. empathy aspect “Sharing negative emotions with others” (ρ = 0.603). c 3-Aminoisobutyric acid (BAIBA) metabolite vs. empathy aspect “Sharing positive emotions with others” (ρ = 0.700)