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Cao LL, Liu HR, Ji YJ, Zhang YT, Wang BQ, Xue XH, Wang P, Luo ZH, Wu HG. Research Progress of Vagal Nerve Regulation Mechanism in Acupuncture Treatment of Atrial Fibrillation. Chin J Integr Med 2024:10.1007/s11655-024-3660-5. [PMID: 38990478 DOI: 10.1007/s11655-024-3660-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 07/12/2024]
Abstract
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia in clinical practice. It has a high prevalence and poor prognosis. The application of antiarrhythmic drugs and even surgery cannot completely treat the disease, and there are many sequelae. AF can be classified into the category of "palpitation" in Chinese medicine according to its symptoms. Acupuncture has a significant effect on AF. The authors find that an important mechanism of acupuncture in AF treatment is to regulate the cardiac vagus nerve. Therefore, this article intends to review the distribution and function of vagus nerve in the heart, the application and the regulatroy effect for the treatment of AF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu-Lu Cao
- Immunology Laboratory, Shanghai Research Institute of Acupuncture and Meridian, Shanghai, 200232, China
| | - Hui-Rong Liu
- Immunology Laboratory, Shanghai Research Institute of Acupuncture and Meridian, Shanghai, 200232, China
| | - Ya-Jie Ji
- Breast Disease Department, Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200437, China
| | - Yin-Tao Zhang
- Graduate College, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 301617, China
| | - Bing-Quan Wang
- Department of Acupuncture and Moxibusion Tuina Traumatology, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai, 200233, China
| | - Xiao-Hong Xue
- Breast Disease Department, Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200437, China
| | - Pei Wang
- Graduate College, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Zhi-Hui Luo
- Graduate College, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Huan-Gan Wu
- Immunology Laboratory, Shanghai Research Institute of Acupuncture and Meridian, Shanghai, 200232, China.
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Cui M, Wei Q, Li Y, Liu M, Sun L, Liu X, Chen Z, Fang H, Liu L, Fu J, Li C, Li H, Ma Y, Zhang X, Huang Y, Li L, Lyu S, Zhang J. Effects of a Tai Chi rehabilitation program implemented using a hybrid online and offline mode on oxidative stress and inflammatory responses in patients with coronary heart disease: a randomized controlled trial. Front Public Health 2024; 12:1369675. [PMID: 38827614 PMCID: PMC11140728 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1369675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 06/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Coronary heart disease (CHD) is the leading cause of death in both developed and many developing countries. Exercise training is a fundamental component of cardiac rehabilitation programs for patients with CHD. This study aims to investigate the effects of a Tai Chi rehabilitation program, which is provided through a hybrid online and offline mode, on oxidative stress and inflammatory responses in patients with CHD. Methods A total of 34 patients with coronary heart disease were randomly assigned to two groups: an experiment group (n = 14, age 62.07 ± 9.076 years) and a control group (n = 20, age 61.90 ± 9.700 years). The experiment group underwent a 12-week Tai Chi cardiac rehabilitation program (TCCRP), while the control group followed a conventional exercise rehabilitation program (CERP) consisting of 1-h sessions, 3 times per week, for a total of 36 sessions. Participants were studied at baseline and post-intervention. The main assessments include the levels of Malondialdehyde (MDA), Superoxide dismutase (SOD), Tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) and Interleukin-10 (IL - 10) in blood samples. Pearson correlation analysis was used, and the differences between the two groups were subsequently tested using two-way repeated ANOVA. Statistical significance was defined as a two-sided p-value of <0.05. Results The key finding of the study reveals that MDA was significantly reduced by 1.027 nmoL/mL. Additionally, the TCCRP showed significant improvements in SOD and IL-10, with values of 10.110 U/mL and 2.441 pg./mL, respectively. Notably, a significant positive correlation was found between SOD and IL-10 (r = 0.689, p = 0.006), while MDA showed a significant positive correlation with TNF-a (r = 0.542, p = 0.045). In contrast, the ECRP group only showed a significant improvement in SOD. Conclusion The study conducted a 12-week program on TCCRP, which utilized a hybrid online and offline model for individuals with coronary heart disease. The program showed promising results in alleviating oxidative stress and inflammation, possibly by regulating the balance between oxidative and antioxidative factors, as well as pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meize Cui
- College of Physical Education and Sports, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Qiuyang Wei
- Sports Department, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yameng Li
- Department of Physical Education, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Mingyu Liu
- College of Physical Education and Sports, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Ligang Sun
- University Hospital, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Xinyi Liu
- University Hospital, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Zaihao Chen
- College of Physical Education and Sports, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Hui Fang
- College of Physical Education and Sports, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Linli Liu
- China University of Labor Relations, Beijing, China
| | - Jiahao Fu
- Zhejiang Guangsha Vocational and Technical University of Construction, Zhejiang, China
| | - Cuihan Li
- College of Physical Education and Sports, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Haojie Li
- College of Physical Education and Sports, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Yuxin Ma
- College of Physical Education and Sports, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Xing Zhang
- College of Physical Education and Sports, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Yuerong Huang
- College of Physical Education and Sports, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Lujia Li
- College of Physical Education and Sports, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Shaojun Lyu
- College of Physical Education and Sports, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Jianwei Zhang
- College of Physical Education and Sports, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
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Lakin R, Polidovitch N, Yang S, Parikh M, Liu X, Debi R, Gao X, Chen W, Guzman C, Yakobov S, Izaddoustdar F, Wauchop M, Lei Q, Xu W, Nedospasov SA, Christoffels VM, Backx PH. Cardiomyocyte and endothelial cells play distinct roles in the tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-dependent atrial responses and increased atrial fibrillation vulnerability induced by endurance exercise training in mice. Cardiovasc Res 2023; 119:2607-2622. [PMID: 37713664 PMCID: PMC10730243 DOI: 10.1093/cvr/cvad144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2022] [Revised: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/17/2023] Open
Abstract
AIMS Endurance exercise is associated with an increased risk of atrial fibrillation (AF). We previously established that adverse atrial remodelling and AF susceptibility induced by intense exercise in mice require the mechanosensitive and pro-inflammatory cytokine tumour necrosis factor (TNF). The cellular and mechanistic basis for these TNF-mediated effects is unknown. METHODS AND RESULTS We studied the impact of Tnf excision, in either atrial cardiomyocytes or endothelial cells (using Cre-recombinase expression controlled by Nppa or Tie2 promoters, respectively), on the cardiac responses to six weeks of intense swim exercise training. TNF ablation, in either cell type, had no impact on the changes in heart rate, autonomic tone, or left ventricular structure and function induced by exercise training. Tnf excision in atrial cardiomyocytes did, however, prevent atrial hypertrophy, fibrosis, and macrophage infiltration as well as conduction slowing and increased AF susceptibility arising from exercise training. In contrast, endothelial-specific excision only reduced the training-induced atrial hypertrophy. Consistent with these cell-specific effects of Tnf excision, inducing TNF loss from atrial cardiomyocytes prevented activation of p38MAPKinase, a strain-dependent downstream mediator of TNF signalling, without affecting the atrial stretch as assessed by atrial pressures induced by exercise. Despite TNF's established role in innate immune responses and inflammation, neither acute nor chronic exercise training caused measurable NLRP3 inflammasome activation. CONCLUSIONS Our findings demonstrate that adverse atrial remodelling and AF vulnerability induced by intense exercise require TNF in atrial cardiomyocytes whereas the impact of endothelial-derived TNF is limited to hypertrophy modulation. The implications of the cell autonomous effects of TNF and crosstalk between cells in the atria are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Lakin
- Department of Biology, York University, 354 & 357 Farquharson Building, 4700 Keele Street, Toronto, ON M3J 1P3, Canada
| | - Nazari Polidovitch
- Department of Biology, York University, 354 & 357 Farquharson Building, 4700 Keele Street, Toronto, ON M3J 1P3, Canada
| | - Sibao Yang
- Department of Biology, York University, 354 & 357 Farquharson Building, 4700 Keele Street, Toronto, ON M3J 1P3, Canada
- Department of Cardiology, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130022, China
| | - Mihir Parikh
- Department of Biology, York University, 354 & 357 Farquharson Building, 4700 Keele Street, Toronto, ON M3J 1P3, Canada
| | - Xueyan Liu
- Department of Biology, York University, 354 & 357 Farquharson Building, 4700 Keele Street, Toronto, ON M3J 1P3, Canada
- Department of Cardiology, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130022, China
| | - Ryan Debi
- Department of Biology, York University, 354 & 357 Farquharson Building, 4700 Keele Street, Toronto, ON M3J 1P3, Canada
| | - Xiaodong Gao
- Department of Biology, York University, 354 & 357 Farquharson Building, 4700 Keele Street, Toronto, ON M3J 1P3, Canada
| | - Wenliang Chen
- Department of Biology, York University, 354 & 357 Farquharson Building, 4700 Keele Street, Toronto, ON M3J 1P3, Canada
| | - Camilo Guzman
- Department of Biology, York University, 354 & 357 Farquharson Building, 4700 Keele Street, Toronto, ON M3J 1P3, Canada
| | - Simona Yakobov
- Department of Biology, York University, 354 & 357 Farquharson Building, 4700 Keele Street, Toronto, ON M3J 1P3, Canada
| | - Farzad Izaddoustdar
- Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3E2, Canada
| | - Marianne Wauchop
- Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3E2, Canada
| | - Qian Lei
- Department of Anesthesiology, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences and Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610072, China
| | - Weimin Xu
- Department of Cardiology, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130022, China
| | - Sergei A Nedospasov
- Laboratory of Molecular Mechanisms of Immunity, Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Moscow 119991, Russia
- Division of Immunobiology and Biomedicine, Sirius University of Science and Technology, Sirius 354349, Russia
| | - Vincent M Christoffels
- Department of Medical Biology, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Peter H Backx
- Department of Biology, York University, 354 & 357 Farquharson Building, 4700 Keele Street, Toronto, ON M3J 1P3, Canada
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Huang J, Wu B, Qin P, Cheng Y, Zhang Z, Chen Y. Research on atrial fibrillation mechanisms and prediction of therapeutic prospects: focus on the autonomic nervous system upstream pathways. Front Cardiovasc Med 2023; 10:1270452. [PMID: 38028487 PMCID: PMC10663310 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2023.1270452] [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: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common clinical arrhythmia disorder. It can easily lead to complications such as thromboembolism, palpitations, dizziness, angina, heart failure, and stroke. The disability and mortality rates associated with AF are extremely high, significantly affecting the quality of life and work of patients. With the deepening of research into the brain-heart connection, the link between AF and stroke has become increasingly evident. AF is now categorized as either Known Atrial Fibrillation (KAF) or Atrial Fibrillation Detected After Stroke (AFDAS), with stroke as the baseline. This article, through a literature review, briefly summarizes the current pathogenesis of KAF and AFDAS, as well as the status of their clinical pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments. It has been found that the existing treatments for KAF and AFDAS have limited efficacy and are often associated with significant adverse reactions and a risk of recurrence. Moreover, most drugs and treatment methods tend to focus on a single mechanism pathway. For example, drugs targeting ion channels primarily modulate ion channels and have relatively limited impact on other pathways. This limitation underscores the need to break away from the "one disease, one target, one drug/measurement" dogma for the development of innovative treatments, promoting both drug and non-drug therapies and significantly improving the quality of clinical treatment. With the increasing refinement of the overall mechanisms of KAF and AFDAS, a deeper exploration of physiological pathology, and comprehensive research on the brain-heart relationship, it is imperative to shift from long-term symptom management to more precise and optimized treatment methods that are effective for almost all patients. We anticipate that drugs or non-drug therapies targeting the central nervous system and upstream pathways can guide the simultaneous treatment of multiple downstream pathways in AF, thereby becoming a new breakthrough in AF treatment research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingjie Huang
- Postgraduate School, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Bangqi Wu
- National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Peng Qin
- National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Yupei Cheng
- Postgraduate School, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Ziyi Zhang
- Postgraduate School, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Yameng Chen
- Postgraduate School, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
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Jin Z, Dong J, Wang Y, Liu Y. Exploring the potential of vagus nerve stimulation in treating brain diseases: a review of immunologic benefits and neuroprotective efficacy. Eur J Med Res 2023; 28:444. [PMID: 37853458 PMCID: PMC10585738 DOI: 10.1186/s40001-023-01439-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023] Open
Abstract
The vagus nerve serves as a critical connection between the central nervous system and internal organs. Originally known for its effectiveness in treating refractory epilepsy, vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) has shown potential for managing other brain diseases, including ischaemic stroke, traumatic brain injury, Parkinson's disease, and Alzheimer's disease. However, the precise mechanisms of VNS and its benefits for brain diseases are not yet fully understood. Recent studies have found that VNS can inhibit inflammation, promote neuroprotection, help maintain the integrity of the blood-brain barrier, have multisystemic modulatory effects, and even transmit signals from the gut flora to the brain. In this article, we will review several essential studies that summarize the current theories of VNS and its immunomodulatory effects, as well as the therapeutic value of VNS for brain disorders. By doing so, we aim to provide a better understanding of how the neuroimmune network operates and inspire future research in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeping Jin
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Jing Dong
- Department of Medical Engineering, Tsinghua University Yuquan Hospital, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Yang Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Yunpeng Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People's Republic of China.
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Kaplan A, Lakkis B, El-Samadi L, Karaayvaz EB, Booz GW, Zouein FA. Cooling Down Inflammation in the Cardiovascular System via the Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor. J Cardiovasc Pharmacol 2023; 82:241-265. [PMID: 37539950 DOI: 10.1097/fjc.0000000000001455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Inflammation is a major player in many cardiovascular diseases including hypertension, atherosclerosis, myocardial infarction, and heart failure. In many individuals, these conditions coexist and mutually exacerbate each other's progression. The pathophysiology of these diseases entails the active involvement of both innate and adaptive immune cells. Immune cells that possess the α7 subunit of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor on their surface have the potential to be targeted through both pharmacological and electrical stimulation of the cholinergic system. The cholinergic system regulates the inflammatory response to various stressors in different organ systems by systematically suppressing spleen-derived monocytes and chemokines and locally improving immune cell function. Research on the cardiovascular system has demonstrated the potential for atheroma plaque stabilization and regression as favorable outcomes. Smaller infarct size and reduced fibrosis have been associated with improved cardiac function and a decrease in adverse cardiac remodeling. Furthermore, enhanced electrical stability of the myocardium can lead to a reduction in the incidence of ventricular tachyarrhythmia. In addition, improving mitochondrial dysfunction and decreasing oxidative stress can result in less myocardial tissue damage caused by reperfusion injury. Restoring baroreflex activity and reduction in renal damage can promote blood pressure regulation and help counteract hypertension. Thus, the present review highlights the potential of nicotinic acetylcholine receptor activation as a natural approach to alleviate the adverse consequences of inflammation in the cardiovascular system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdullah Kaplan
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Riad El-Solh, Beirut, Lebanon
- Department of Cardiology, Kemer Public Hospital, Kemer, Antalya, Turkey
- The Cardiovascular, Renal, and Metabolic Diseases Research Center of Excellence, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Riad El-Solh, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Bachir Lakkis
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Riad El-Solh, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Lana El-Samadi
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Riad El-Solh, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Ekrem Bilal Karaayvaz
- Department of Cardiology, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - George W Booz
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS; and
| | - Fouad A Zouein
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Riad El-Solh, Beirut, Lebanon
- The Cardiovascular, Renal, and Metabolic Diseases Research Center of Excellence, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Riad El-Solh, Beirut, Lebanon
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS; and
- Department of Signaling and Cardiovascular Pathophysiology, UMR-S 1180, Inserm, Université Paris-Saclay, France
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Elamin ABA, Forsat K, Senok SS, Goswami N. Vagus Nerve Stimulation and Its Cardioprotective Abilities: A Systematic Review. J Clin Med 2023; 12:jcm12051717. [PMID: 36902505 PMCID: PMC10003006 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12051717] [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: 12/29/2022] [Revised: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite the vagus nerve stimulator (VNS) being used in neuroscience, it has recently been highlighted that it has cardioprotective functions. However, many studies related to VNS are not mechanistic in nature. This systematic review aims to focus on the role of VNS in cardioprotective therapy, selective vagus nerve stimulators (sVNS), and their functional capabilities. A systemic review of the current literature was conducted on VNS, sVNS, and their ability to induce positive effects on arrhythmias, cardiac arrest, myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury, and heart failure. Both experimental and clinical studies were reviewed and assessed separately. Of 522 research articles retrieved from literature archives, 35 met the inclusion criteria and were included in the review. Literature analysis proves that combining fiber-type selectivity with spatially-targeted vagus nerve stimulation is feasible. The role of VNS as a tool for modulating heart dynamics, inflammatory response, and structural cellular components was prominently seen across the literature. The application of transcutaneous VNS, as opposed to implanted electrodes, provides the best clinical outcome with minimal side effects. VNS presents a method for future cardiovascular treatment that can modulate human cardiac physiology. However, continued research is needed for further insight.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kowthar Forsat
- College of Medicine, Ajman University, Ajman P.O. Box 346, United Arab Emirates
| | - Solomon Silas Senok
- College of Medicine, Ajman University, Ajman P.O. Box 346, United Arab Emirates
| | - Nandu Goswami
- Institute of Physiology (Gravitational Physiology and Medicine), Medical University of Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria
- College of Medicine, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai P.O. Box 505055, United Arab Emirates
- Correspondence:
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Wang Y, He Y, Jiang L, Chen X, Zou F, Yin Y, Li J, Li C, Zhang G, Ma J, Niu L. Effect of transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation on post-stroke dysphagia. J Neurol 2023; 270:995-1003. [PMID: 36329182 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-022-11465-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2022] [Revised: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE It has been proved that electrical vagus nerve stimulation can promote the recovery of motor function after stroke. There were no trials on the use of transcutaneous auricular electrical vagus nerve stimulation (ta-VNS) in patients with dysphagia after acute stroke. Our aim was to confirm whether ta-VNS can promote the recovery of swallowing function in these acute stroke patients with dysphagia. METHODS We conducted a sham-controlled, double-blinded, parallel pilot study in 40 acute stroke patients randomly assigned to receive ta-VNS or sham ta-VNS combined with conventional rehabilitation training. The intensity of ta-VNS treatment was adjusted according to the patient's tolerance, 30 min each time, twice a day, five times a week, with a total course of 3 weeks. In the sham group, the parameters were the same except energy output. Swallowing function was assessed with Modified Mann assessment of swallowing ability (MASA), functional communication measure swallowing test (FCM), and the Rosenbek leakage/aspiration scale (RAS) according to swallowing video fluoroscopic (SVF) before the intervention (baseline, T0), immediately after the intervention (T1) and 4 weeks after the intervention (T2). RESULTS After treatment, ta-VNS group statistically and clinically had larger change of MASA, FCM, and RAS scores compared with control group (P < 0.05) and this improvement continued at least 4 weeks after the end of treatment. There were no serious adverse events occurred during the whole intervention. CONCLUSION The transcutaneous auricular electrical vagus nerve stimulation is effective as a novel and noninvasive treatment strategy for patients with dysphagia after acute stroke. TRIAL REGISTRATION No: kelunshen No. 63 in 2020.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Wang
- Department of Rehabilitation, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400010, China
| | - Yingxi He
- Department of Rehabilitation, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400010, China
| | - Linlin Jiang
- Department of Rehabilitation, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400010, China
| | - Xiaoxu Chen
- Department of Rehabilitation, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400010, China
| | - Fengjiao Zou
- Department of Rehabilitation, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400010, China
| | - Ying Yin
- Department of Rehabilitation, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400010, China
| | - Jiani Li
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400010, China
| | - Changqing Li
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400010, China
| | - Guifang Zhang
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400010, China
| | - Jingxi Ma
- Department of Neurology, Chongqing General Hospital, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chongqing, 401147, China
| | - Lingchuan Niu
- Department of Rehabilitation, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400010, China.
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Yao Y, Yang M, Liu D, Zhao Q. Immune remodeling and atrial fibrillation. Front Physiol 2022; 13:927221. [PMID: 35936905 PMCID: PMC9355726 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.927221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a highly prevalent arrhythmia that causes high morbidity and mortality. However, the underlying mechanism of AF has not been fully elucidated. Recent research has suggested that, during AF, the immune system changes considerably and interacts with the environment and cells involved in the initiation and maintenance of AF. This may provide a new direction for research and therapeutic strategies for AF. In this review, we elaborate the concept of immune remodeling based on available data in AF. Then, we highlight the complex relationships between immune remodeling and atrial electrical, structural and neural remodeling while also pointing out some research gaps in these field. Finally, we discuss several potential immunomodulatory treatments for AF. Although the heterogeneity of existing evidence makes it ambiguous to extrapolate immunomodulatory treatments for AF into the clinical practice, immune remodeling is still an evolving concept in AF pathophysiology and further studies within this field are likely to provide effective therapies for AF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yajun Yao
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Cardiovascular Research Institute of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cardiology, Wuhan, China
| | - Mei Yang
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Cardiovascular Research Institute of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cardiology, Wuhan, China
| | - Dishiwen Liu
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Cardiovascular Research Institute of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cardiology, Wuhan, China
| | - Qingyan Zhao
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Cardiovascular Research Institute of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cardiology, Wuhan, China
- *Correspondence: Qingyan Zhao,
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