1
|
Cruz CJ, Yeater TD, Griffith JL, Allen KD. Vagotomy accelerates the onset of symptoms during early disease progression and worsens joint-level pathogenesis in a male rat model of chronic knee osteoarthritis. OSTEOARTHRITIS AND CARTILAGE OPEN 2024; 6:100467. [PMID: 38655014 PMCID: PMC11035058 DOI: 10.1016/j.ocarto.2024.100467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective Low vagal tone is common in osteoarthritis (OA) comorbidities and results in greater peripheral inflammation. Characterizing vagal tone's role in OA pathogenesis may offer insights into OA's influences beyond the articular joint. We hypothesized that low vagal tone would accelerate onset of OA-related gait changes and worsen joint damage in a rat knee OA model. Methods Knee OA was induced in male Sprague Dawley rats by transecting the medial collateral ligament and medial meniscus. Then, left cervical vagus nerve transection (VGX, n = 9) or sham VGX (non-VGX, n = 6) was performed. Gait and tactile sensitivity were assessed at baseline and across 12 weeks, with histology and systemic inflammation evaluated at endpoint. Results At week 4, VGX animals showed limping gait characteristics through shifted stance times from their OA to non-OA limb (p = 0.055; stance time imbalance = 1.6 ± 1.6%) and shifted foot strike locations (p < 0.001; spatial symmetry = 48.4 ± 0.835%), while non-VGX animals walked with a balanced and symmetric gait. Also at week 4, while VGX animals had a mechanical sensitivity (50% withdrawal threshold) of 13.97 ± 7.70 compared to the non-VGX animal sensitivity of 29.74 ± 9.43, this difference was not statistically significant. Histologically, VGX animals showed thinner tibial cartilage and greater subchondral bone area than non-VGX animals (p = 0.076; VGX: 0.80 ± 0.036 mm2; non-VGX: 0.736 ± 0.066 mm2). No group differences in systemic inflammation were observed at endpoint. Conclusions VGX resulted in quicker onset of OA-related symptoms but remained unchanged at later timepoints. VGX also had thinner cartilage and abnormal bone remodeling than non-VGX. Overall, low vagal tone had mild effects on OA symptoms and joint remodeling, and not at the level seen in common OA comorbidities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carlos J. Cruz
- J. Crayton Pruitt Family Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
- Pain Research and Intervention Center of Excellence, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Taylor D. Yeater
- J. Crayton Pruitt Family Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
- Pain Research and Intervention Center of Excellence, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Jacob L. Griffith
- J. Crayton Pruitt Family Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
- Pain Research and Intervention Center of Excellence, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Kyle D. Allen
- J. Crayton Pruitt Family Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
- Pain Research and Intervention Center of Excellence, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Demircioğlu G, Özden AV, Genç H. Comparison of the efficacy of auricular vagus nerve stimulation and conventional low back rehabilitation in patients with chronic low back pain. Complement Ther Clin Pract 2024; 56:101862. [PMID: 38815433 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctcp.2024.101862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Revised: 04/19/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In recent years, human and animal studies have provided increasing evidence that vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) can produce analgesic effects as well as alleviating resistant epilepsy and depression. Our study was designed to compare the efficacy of transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation with conventional low back rehabilitation in patients with chronic low back pain (CLBP). METHODS Sixty patients with LBP were randomly divided into two groups. Group 1 received conventional rehabilitation and home exercise, and Group 2 received transcutaneous auricular VNS and home exercise. Both groups received treatment five days a week for three weeks. Trunk mobility (Modified Schober test, fingertip-to-floor test), muscle strength (CSMI-Cybex Humac-Norm isokinetic dynamometer and Lafayette manual muscle strength measuring device), trunk endurance, balance tests, Visual Analog Scale, Beck Depression Scale, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Oswestry Disability Index were evaluated. RESULTS At the end of three weeks, within-group assessment results showed positive effects on mobility, functional status, depression and sleep in all groups (p < 0.05). Pain level, endurance time and flexion trunk muscle strength results showed more improvement in Group 2 (p < 0.05). Some parameters of isokinetic lower extremity quadriceps muscle strength and fall risk scores showed a significant improvement in Group 1 (p < 0.05). DISCUSSION VNS has been observed to be more effective on pain, trunk muscle strength and endurance duration and sleep status. Auricular VNS may be included in the treatment of patients with CLBP in whom conventional physical therapy is inadequate or not applicable.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gamze Demircioğlu
- Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Health Sciences, Atlas University, Turkey; Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Health Sciences, Bahçeşehir University, Turkey.
| | - Ali Veysel Özden
- Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Health Sciences, Bahçeşehir University, Turkey.
| | - Hazal Genç
- Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Health Sciences, Bahçeşehir University, Turkey.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Guzzi G, Della Torre A, Bruni A, Lavano A, Bosco V, Garofalo E, La Torre D, Longhini F. Anatomo-physiological basis and applied techniques of electrical neuromodulation in chronic pain. JOURNAL OF ANESTHESIA, ANALGESIA AND CRITICAL CARE 2024; 4:29. [PMID: 38698460 PMCID: PMC11064427 DOI: 10.1186/s44158-024-00167-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024]
Abstract
Chronic pain, a complex and debilitating condition, poses a significant challenge to both patients and healthcare providers worldwide. Conventional pharmacological interventions often prove inadequate in delivering satisfactory relief while carrying the risks of addiction and adverse reactions. In recent years, electric neuromodulation emerged as a promising alternative in chronic pain management. This method entails the precise administration of electrical stimulation to specific nerves or regions within the central nervous system to regulate pain signals. Through mechanisms that include the alteration of neural activity and the release of endogenous pain-relieving substances, electric neuromodulation can effectively alleviate pain and improve patients' quality of life. Several modalities of electric neuromodulation, with a different grade of invasiveness, provide tailored strategies to tackle various forms and origins of chronic pain. Through an exploration of the anatomical and physiological pathways of chronic pain, encompassing neurotransmitter involvement, this narrative review offers insights into electrical therapies' mechanisms of action, clinical utility, and future perspectives in chronic pain management.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Giusy Guzzi
- Neurosurgery Department, "R. Dulbecco" Hospital, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, "Magna Graecia" University of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Attilio Della Torre
- Neurosurgery Department, "R. Dulbecco" Hospital, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, "Magna Graecia" University of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Andrea Bruni
- Anesthesia and Intensive Care Unit, "R. Dulbecco" Univesity Hospital, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Magna Graecia University, Viale Europa, Catanzaro, 88100, Italy
| | - Angelo Lavano
- Neurosurgery Department, "R. Dulbecco" Hospital, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, "Magna Graecia" University of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Bosco
- Anesthesia and Intensive Care Unit, "R. Dulbecco" Univesity Hospital, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Magna Graecia University, Viale Europa, Catanzaro, 88100, Italy
| | - Eugenio Garofalo
- Anesthesia and Intensive Care Unit, "R. Dulbecco" Univesity Hospital, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Magna Graecia University, Viale Europa, Catanzaro, 88100, Italy
| | - Domenico La Torre
- Neurosurgery Department, "R. Dulbecco" Hospital, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, "Magna Graecia" University of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Federico Longhini
- Anesthesia and Intensive Care Unit, "R. Dulbecco" Univesity Hospital, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Magna Graecia University, Viale Europa, Catanzaro, 88100, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Cai Y, Zhang Y, Fang Y, Hu H, Li X, Fang L. Evaluating the efficacy and acceptability of vagus nerve stimulation for fibromyalgia: a PRISMA-compliant protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis. Front Neurol 2024; 15:1367295. [PMID: 38450074 PMCID: PMC10914987 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2024.1367295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Fibromyalgia has imposed substantial burdens on patients' health and well-being, yet effective therapeutic options for this condition remain limited. Recently, vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) has emerged as a promising therapy for fibromyalgia. Nonetheless, despite the increasing number of randomized clinical trials (RCTs), current evidence remains inconclusive. Therefore, this protocol of a systematic review and meta-analysis aims to synthesize the existing evidence to clarify the efficacy and acceptability of VNS for treating fibromyalgia. Methods A comprehensive search for eligible RCTs will be conducted across nine bibliographic databases, namely PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, AMED, PsycINFO, PEDro, Chinese BioMedical Literature Database, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure, and Wangfang database. Data obtained from the included studies will be synthesized quantitively using RevMan 5.4.1 for meta-analyses. The methodological soundness of included RCTs will be assessed via the Cochrane's updated risk of bias tool (version 2.0). Additionally, sensitivity analyses, publication bias assessment, and subgroup analyses will be conducted as appropriate. Finally, we will utilize the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) system to evaluate the certainty for the body of evidence. Conclusion The findings of our study are anticipated to ascertain the efficacy and acceptability of VNS as a promising treatment option for fibromyalgia. This will not only fill current research gap but also identify potential areas for future research. The findings will provide essential guidance for evidence-based treatment decisions for fibromyalgia, benefiting both patients and clinicians.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yunhuo Cai
- Department of Rehabilitation, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yajun Zhang
- The Third Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yiyan Fang
- The Third Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Hantong Hu
- Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xingling Li
- Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Lianqiang Fang
- Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Bonaz B. The gut-brain axis in Parkinson's disease. Rev Neurol (Paris) 2024; 180:65-78. [PMID: 38129277 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurol.2023.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2023] [Revised: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
There is a bi-directional communication between the gut, including the microbiota, and the brain through the autonomic nervous system. Accumulating evidence has suggested a bidirectional link between gastrointestinal inflammation and neurodegeneration, in accordance with the concept of the gut-rain axis. An abnormal microbiota-gut-brain interaction contributes to the pathogeny of Parkinson's disease. This supports the hypothesis that Parkinson's disease originates in the gut to spread to the central nervous system, in particular through the vagus nerve. Targeting the gut-to-brain axis with vagus nerve stimulation, fecal microbiota transplantation, gut-selective antibiotics, as well as drugs targeting the leaky gut might be of interest in the management of Parkinson's disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- B Bonaz
- Service d'hépato-gastroentérologie, Grenoble institut neurosciences, université Grenoble-Alpes, Grenoble, France.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Bonaz B. Non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation: the future of inflammatory bowel disease treatment? Bioelectron Med 2023; 9:26. [PMID: 38017496 PMCID: PMC10685668 DOI: 10.1186/s42234-023-00129-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The vagus nerve regulates inflammation and cytokine release through the inflammatory reflex. Recent pilot clinical trials using implantable bioelectronic devices have demonstrated the efficacy of vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) in adult patients with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) as an alternative to drug treatments. However, the use of non-invasive VNS should be of interest in adults with IBD and even more in pediatric IBD. In this issue of Bioelectronic Medicine, Sahn et al. report that non-invasive transcutaneous auricular VNS attenuated signs and symptoms in a pediatric cohort with mild to moderate IBD thus opening new therapeutic avenues in the management of pediatric but also adult IBD patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Bonaz
- Service d'Hépato-Gastroentérologie, Grenoble Institut Neurosciences, Université Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France.
| |
Collapse
|