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Huguenard AL, Tan G, Johnson GW, Adamek M, Coxon AT, Kummer TT, Osbun JW, Vellimana AK, Limbrick DD, Zipfel GJ, Brunner P, Leuthardt EC. Non-invasive Auricular Vagus nerve stimulation for Subarachnoid Hemorrhage (NAVSaH): Protocol for a prospective, triple-blinded, randomized controlled trial. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2024:2024.03.18.24304239. [PMID: 38562875 PMCID: PMC10984059 DOI: 10.1101/2024.03.18.24304239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Background Inflammation has been implicated in driving the morbidity associated with subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Despite understanding the important role of inflammation in morbidity following SAH, there is no current effective way to modulate this deleterious response. There is a critical need for a novel approach to immunomodulation that can be safely, rapidly, and effectively deployed in SAH patients. Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) provides a non-pharmacologic approach to immunomodulation, with prior studies demonstrating VNS can reduce systemic inflammatory markers, and VNS has had early success treating inflammatory conditions such as arthritis, sepsis, and inflammatory bowel diseases. The aim of the Non-invasive Auricular Vagus nerve stimulation for Subarachnoid Hemorrhage (NAVSaH) trial is to translate the use of non-invasive transcutaneous auricular VNS (taVNS) to spontaneous SAH, with our central hypothesis being that implementing taVNS in the acute period following spontaneous SAH attenuates the expected inflammatory response to hemorrhage and curtails morbidity associated with inflammatory-mediated clinical endpoints. Materials and methods The overall objectives for the NAHSaH trial are to 1) Define the impact that taVNS has on SAH-induced inflammatory markers in the plasma and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), 2) Determine whether taVNS following SAH reduces radiographic vasospasm, and 3) Determine whether taVNS following SAH reduces chronic hydrocephalus. Following presentation to a single enrollment site, enrolled SAH patients are randomly assigned twice daily treatment with either taVNS or sham stimulation for the duration of their intensive care unit stay. Blood and CSF are drawn before initiation of treatment sessions, and then every three days during a patient's hospital stay. Primary endpoints include change in the inflammatory cytokine TNF-α in plasma and cerebrospinal fluid between day 1 and day 13, rate of radiographic vasospasm, and rate of requirement for long-term CSF diversion via a ventricular shunt. Secondary outcomes include exploratory analyses of a panel of additional cytokines, number and type of hospitalized acquired infections, duration of external ventricular drain in days, interventions required for vasospasm, continuous physiology data before, during, and after treatment sessions, hospital length of stay, intensive care unit length of stay, and modified Rankin Scale score (mRS) at admission, discharge, and each at follow-up appointment for up to two years following SAH. Discussion Inflammation plays a central role in morbidity following SAH. This NAVSaH trial is innovative because it diverges from the pharmacologic status quo by harnessing a novel non-invasive neuromodulatory approach and its known anti-inflammatory effects to alter the pathophysiology of SAH. The investigation of a new, effective, and rapidly deployable intervention in SAH offers a new route to improve outcomes following SAH. Trial registration Clinical Trials Registered, NCT04557618. Registered on September 21, 2020, and the first patient was enrolled on January 4, 2021.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna L Huguenard
- Department of Neurosurgery, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Gansheng Tan
- Department Biomedical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Gabrielle W Johnson
- Department of Neurosurgery, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Markus Adamek
- Department of Neuroscience, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Andrew T Coxon
- Department of Neurosurgery, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Terrance T Kummer
- Department of Neurology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Joshua W Osbun
- Department of Neurosurgery, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Ananth K Vellimana
- Department of Neurosurgery, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - David D. Limbrick
- Department of Neurosurgery, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Gregory J Zipfel
- Department of Neurosurgery, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Peter Brunner
- Department of Neurosurgery, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
- Department Biomedical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Eric C Leuthardt
- Department of Neurosurgery, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
- Department Biomedical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
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2
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Sen R, Caplan L. Current treatment and molecular targets for axial spondyloarthritis: Evidence from randomized controlled trials. Curr Opin Pharmacol 2022; 67:102307. [PMID: 36335714 DOI: 10.1016/j.coph.2022.102307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) is a chronic inflammatory disease that predominantly affects the axial skeleton and is characterized by inflammatory back pain. While much has been published regarding non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and tumor necrosis factor inhibitors, other classes of medications which leverage alternate molecular mechanisms receive less attention. In this review, we summarize a few of the novel targets in axSpA, review the putative mechanism of action of therapies that focus on these targets, and reference the germane recently completed, ongoing, or proposed randomized controlled clinical trials. The agents addressed include inhibitors of interleukin-23, interleukin-17, janus kinases, granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor, macrophage migration inhibitory factor, antibodies recognizing T cell receptor beta variable 9 gene positive clones, as well as inhibitors of mitogen-activated protein kinase-activated protein kinase-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rouhin Sen
- Rocky Mountain Regional Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC), Denver, CO, USA; University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Liron Caplan
- Rocky Mountain Regional Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC), Denver, CO, USA; University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA.
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3
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Seitz T, Szeles JC, Kitzberger R, Holbik J, Grieb A, Wolf H, Akyaman H, Lucny F, Tychera A, Neuhold S, Zoufaly A, Wenisch C, Kaniusas E. Percutaneous Auricular Vagus Nerve Stimulation Reduces Inflammation in Critical Covid-19 Patients. Front Physiol 2022; 13:897257. [PMID: 35860660 PMCID: PMC9289290 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.897257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Covid-19 is an infectious disease associated with cytokine storms and derailed sympatho-vagal balance leading to respiratory distress, hypoxemia and cardiovascular damage. We applied the auricular vagus nerve stimulation to modulate the parasympathetic nervous system, activate the associated anti-inflammatory pathways, and reestablish the abnormal sympatho-vagal balance. aVNS is performed percutaneously using miniature needle electrodes in ear regions innervated by the auricular vagus nerve. In terms of a randomized prospective study, chronic aVNS is started in critical, but not yet ventilated Covid-19 patients during their stay at the intensive care unit. The results show decreased pro-inflammatory parameters, e.g. a reduction of CRP levels by 32% after 1 day of aVNS and 80% over 7 days (from the mean 151.9 mg/dl to 31.5 mg/dl) or similarly a reduction of TNFalpha levels by 58.1% over 7 days (from a mean 19.3 pg/ml to 8.1 pg/ml) and coagulation parameters, e.g. reduction of DDIMER levels by 66% over 7 days (from a mean 4.5 μg/ml to 1.5 μg/ml) and increased anti-inflammatory parameters, e.g. an increase of IL-10 levels by 66% over 7 days (from the mean 2.7 pg/ml to 7 pg/ml) over the aVNS duration without collateral effects. aVNS proved to be a safe clinical procedure and could effectively supplement treatment of critical Covid-19 patients while preventing devastating over-inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamara Seitz
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Klinik Favoriten, Vienna, Austria
- *Correspondence: Tamara Seitz,
| | - József Constantin Szeles
- Department of General Surgery, Division of Vascular Surgery, Medical University of Vienna Center for Wound Surgery, Health Service Center of Vienna Privat Clinics, Vienna, Austria
| | - Reinhard Kitzberger
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Klinik Favoriten, Vienna, Austria
| | - Johannes Holbik
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Klinik Favoriten, Vienna, Austria
| | - Alexander Grieb
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Klinik Favoriten, Vienna, Austria
| | - Hermann Wolf
- Immunology Outpatient Clinic, Vienna, Austria
- Medical School, Sigmund Freud Private University, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Felix Lucny
- Department of General Surgery, Division of Vascular Surgery, Medical University of Vienna Center for Wound Surgery, Health Service Center of Vienna Privat Clinics, Vienna, Austria
| | - Alexander Tychera
- Department of General Surgery, Division of Vascular Surgery, Medical University of Vienna Center for Wound Surgery, Health Service Center of Vienna Privat Clinics, Vienna, Austria
| | - Stephanie Neuhold
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Klinik Favoriten, Vienna, Austria
| | - Alexander Zoufaly
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Klinik Favoriten, Vienna, Austria
- Medical School, Sigmund Freud Private University, Vienna, Austria
| | - Christoph Wenisch
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Klinik Favoriten, Vienna, Austria
| | - Eugenijus Kaniusas
- Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Information Technology, Institute of Biomedical Electronics, Vienna University of Technology (TU Wien), Vienna, Austria
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4
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Wang Y, Li L, Li S, Fang J, Zhang J, Wang J, Zhang Z, Wang Y, He J, Zhang Y, Rong P. Toward Diverse or Standardized: A Systematic Review Identifying Transcutaneous Stimulation of Auricular Branch of the Vagus Nerve in Nomenclature. Neuromodulation 2022; 25:366-379. [PMID: 35396069 DOI: 10.1111/ner.13346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2020] [Revised: 10/19/2020] [Accepted: 11/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES After 20 years of development, there is confusion in the nomenclature of transcutaneous stimulation of the auricular branch of the vagus nerve (ABVN). We performed a systematic review of transcutaneous stimulation of ABVN in nomenclature. MATERIALS AND METHODS A systematic search of the literature was carried out, using the bibliographic search engine PubMed. The search covered articles published up until June 11, 2020. We recorded the full nomenclature and abbreviated nomenclature same or similar to transcutaneous stimulation of ABVN in the selected eligible studies, as well as the time and author information of this nomenclature. RESULTS From 261 studies, 67 full nomenclatures and 27 abbreviated nomenclatures were finally screened out, transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation and tVNS are the most common nomenclature, accounting for 38.38% and 42.06%, respectively. In a total of 97 combinations of full nomenclatures and abbreviations, the most commonly used nomenclature for the combination of transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation and tVNS, accounting for 30.28%. Interestingly, the combination of full nomenclatures and abbreviations is not always a one-to-one relationship, there are ten abbreviated nomenclatures corresponding to transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation, and five full nomenclatures corresponding to tVNS. In addition, based on the analysis of the usage habits of nomenclature in 21 teams, it is found that only three teams have fixed habits, while other different teams or the same team do not always use the same nomenclature in their paper. CONCLUSIONS The phenomenon of confusion in the nomenclature of transcutaneous stimulation of ABVN is obvious and shows a trend of diversity. The nomenclature of transcutaneous stimulation of ABVN needs to become more standardized in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Wang
- Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Liang Li
- Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Shaoyuan Li
- Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jiliang Fang
- Department of Radiology, Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jinling Zhang
- Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Junying Wang
- Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zixuan Zhang
- Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yifei Wang
- Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jiakai He
- Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yue Zhang
- Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Peijing Rong
- Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China.
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Lee JH, Ha JH. Bioelectric Effect of a Microcurrent Toothbrush on Plaque Removal. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18168255. [PMID: 34444003 PMCID: PMC8394510 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18168255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2021] [Revised: 07/28/2021] [Accepted: 07/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
This study evaluated the effectiveness of a microcurrent toothbrush (approved by the US Food and Drug Administration [FDA]), which employs a superimposed alternating and direct electric current, named as a Proxywave® technology, similar to the intensity of the biocurrent, in plaque removal and reducing gingivitis by biofilm removal through the bioelectric effect. This study enrolled 40 volunteers with gingivitis. Dental observations were made every two weeks, before and after the use of each toothbrush. We randomly assigned participants into two groups: one group used the Proxywave® toothbrush (PB) for two weeks followed by the control toothbrush (CB) for two weeks, while the other group used the CB for two weeks followed by the PB. The participants had a two-week washout period. If the toothbrush used earlier has had an effect on the bacterial flora in the oral cavity, this is to remove this effect and return it to its previous state. During each dental visit, we recorded plaque index (PI) and gingival index (GI) scores. The PI and GI scores were significantly lower in both the PB and the CB (p < 0.05). Considering the PI, there was no significant difference between the toothbrushes on all the surfaces. Considering the GI, the PB showed a significant decrease in the interproximal surface, compared to the CB (p < 0.05). The PB showed a significant decrease in the interproximal GI and had a beneficial effect in the interproximal area where the bristles could not reach. No adverse events were observed in the participants during the clinical trial. The microcurrent toothbrush is a device that can be safely used for plaque removal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji-Hyun Lee
- Department of Periodontology, Ulsan University Hospital, College of Medicine, University of Ulsan, Ulsan 44033, Korea
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +82-52-250-7230
| | - Jin-Hee Ha
- Department of Dentistry, Ulsan University Hospital, College of Medicine, University of Ulsan, Ulsan 44033, Korea;
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6
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Azabou E, Bao G, Costantino F, Jacota M, Lazizi C, Nkam L, Rottman M, Roux AL, Chevallier S, Grimaldi L, Breban M. Randomized Cross Over Study Assessing the Efficacy of Non-invasive Stimulation of the Vagus Nerve in Patients With Axial Spondyloarthritis Resistant to Biotherapies: The ESNV-SPA Study Protocol. Front Hum Neurosci 2021; 15:679775. [PMID: 34276328 PMCID: PMC8278783 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2021.679775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/31/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Axial spondyloarthritis (SpA), is a major cause of chronic pain and disability that profoundly alters the quality of life of patients. Nearly half of patients with SpA usually develop drug resistance. Non-pharmacological treatments targeting inflammation are an attractive alternative to drug administration. Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS), by promoting a cholinergic anti-inflammatory reflex holds promise for treating inflammatory disease. Inflammatory reflex signaling, which is enhanced by electrically stimulating the vagus nerve, significantly reduces cytokine production and attenuates disease severity in animal models of endotoxemia, sepsis, colitis, and other preclinical models of inflammatory diseases. It has been proposed that vagal efferent fibers release acetylcholine (Ach), which can interact with α7-subunit-containing nicotinic receptors expressed by tissue macrophages and other immune cells to rapidly inhibit the synthesis/release of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNFα, IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-18. External vagal nerve stimulation devices are now available that do not require surgery nor implantation to non-invasively stimulate the vagal nerve. This double-blind randomized cross-over clinical trial aims to study the change in SpA disease activity, according to Assessment in Ankylosing Spondylitis 20 (ASAS20) definition, after 12 weeks of non-invasive VNS treatment vs. non-specific dummy stimulation (control group). One hundred and twenty adult patients with drug resistant SpA, meeting the ASAS classification criteria, will be included in the study. Patients will be randomized into two parallel groups according to a cross over design: either active VNS for 12 weeks, then dummy stimulation for 12 weeks, or dummy stimulation for 12 weeks, then active VNS for 12 weeks. The two stimulation periods will be separated by a 4 weeks wash-out period. A transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulator Tens Eco Plus SCHWA MEDICOTM France will be used in this study. The active VNS stimulation will be applied in the cymba conchae of the left ear upon the auricular branch of the vagus nerve, using low intensity (2–5 mA), once à week, during 1 h. Dummy stimulation will be performed under the same conditions and parameters as active VNS stimulation, but at an irrelevant anatomical site: the left ear lobule. This multicenter study was registered on ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT04286373.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Azabou
- Clinical Neurophysiology and Neuromodulation Unit, Department of Physiology, Raymond Poincaré Hospital, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Paris, France.,Laboratory of Infection and Inflammation (2I)-Inserm UMR 1173, University of Versailles Saint-Quentin en Yvelines (UVSQ), Paris-Saclay University, Paris, France
| | - Guillaume Bao
- Clinical Neurophysiology and Neuromodulation Unit, Department of Physiology, Raymond Poincaré Hospital, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Paris, France.,Laboratory of Infection and Inflammation (2I)-Inserm UMR 1173, University of Versailles Saint-Quentin en Yvelines (UVSQ), Paris-Saclay University, Paris, France
| | - Félicie Costantino
- Laboratory of Infection and Inflammation (2I)-Inserm UMR 1173, University of Versailles Saint-Quentin en Yvelines (UVSQ), Paris-Saclay University, Paris, France.,Rheumatology Department, AP-HP, Ambroise Paré Hospital, AP-HP, Boulogne-Billancourt, France.,Laboratory of Excellence Inflamex, Paris Descartes University, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Madalina Jacota
- Clinical Research Unit, Ambroise Paré Hospital, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Boulogne-Billancourt, France, University of Versailles Saint-Quentin en Yvelines, Paris-Saclay University, Paris, France
| | - Chanez Lazizi
- Clinical Research Unit, Ambroise Paré Hospital, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Boulogne-Billancourt, France, University of Versailles Saint-Quentin en Yvelines, Paris-Saclay University, Paris, France
| | - Lionelle Nkam
- Clinical Research Unit, Ambroise Paré Hospital, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Boulogne-Billancourt, France, University of Versailles Saint-Quentin en Yvelines, Paris-Saclay University, Paris, France
| | - Martin Rottman
- Laboratory of Infection and Inflammation (2I)-Inserm UMR 1173, University of Versailles Saint-Quentin en Yvelines (UVSQ), Paris-Saclay University, Paris, France.,Microbiology Laboratory, Raymond Poincaré Hospital, AP-HP Paris Saclay University, Paris, France
| | - Anne-Laure Roux
- Laboratory of Infection and Inflammation (2I)-Inserm UMR 1173, University of Versailles Saint-Quentin en Yvelines (UVSQ), Paris-Saclay University, Paris, France.,Microbiology Laboratory, Raymond Poincaré Hospital, AP-HP Paris Saclay University, Paris, France
| | - Sylvain Chevallier
- Versailles Engineering Systems Laboratory (LISV), University of Versailles Saint Quentin en Yvelines (UVSQ), Vélizy, France
| | - Lamiae Grimaldi
- Clinical Research Unit, Ambroise Paré Hospital, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Boulogne-Billancourt, France, University of Versailles Saint-Quentin en Yvelines, Paris-Saclay University, Paris, France
| | - Maxime Breban
- Laboratory of Infection and Inflammation (2I)-Inserm UMR 1173, University of Versailles Saint-Quentin en Yvelines (UVSQ), Paris-Saclay University, Paris, France.,Rheumatology Department, AP-HP, Ambroise Paré Hospital, AP-HP, Boulogne-Billancourt, France.,Laboratory of Excellence Inflamex, Paris Descartes University, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France
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7
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Kaniusas E, Szeles JC, Kampusch S, Alfageme-Lopez N, Yucuma-Conde D, Li X, Mayol J, Neumayer C, Papa M, Panetsos F. Non-invasive Auricular Vagus Nerve Stimulation as a Potential Treatment for Covid19-Originated Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome. Front Physiol 2020; 11:890. [PMID: 32848845 PMCID: PMC7399203 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2020.00890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2020] [Accepted: 06/30/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Covid-19 is an infectious disease caused by an invasion of the alveolar epithelial cells by coronavirus 19. The most severe outcome of the disease is the Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) combined with hypoxemia and cardiovascular damage. ARDS and co-morbidities are associated with inflammatory cytokine storms, sympathetic hyperactivity, and respiratory dysfunction. Hypothesis: In the present paper, we present and justify a novel potential treatment for Covid19-originated ARDS and associated co-morbidities, based on the non-invasive stimulation of the auricular branch of the vagus nerve. Methods: Auricular vagus nerve stimulation activates the parasympathetic system including anti-inflammatory pathways (the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway and the hypothalamic pituitary adrenal axis) while regulating the abnormal sympatho-vagal balance and improving respiratory control. Results: Along the paper (1) we expose the role of the parasympathetic system and the vagus nerve in the control of inflammatory processes (2) we formulate our physiological and methodological hypotheses (3) we provide a large body of clinical and preclinical data that support the favorable effects of auricular vagus nerve stimulation in inflammation, sympatho-vagal balance as well as in respiratory and cardiac ailments, and (4) we list the (few) possible collateral effects of the treatment. Finally, we discuss auricular vagus nerve stimulation protective potential, especially in the elderly and co-morbid population with already reduced parasympathetic response. Conclusions: Auricular vagus nerve stimulation is a safe clinical procedure and it could be either an effective treatment for ARDS originated by Covid-19 and similar viruses or a supplementary treatment to actual ARDS therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eugenijus Kaniusas
- Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Information Technology, Institute of Electrodynamics, Microwave and Circuit Engineering, Vienna University of Technology, Vienna, Austria
- SzeleSTIM GmbH, Vienna, Austria
| | - Jozsef C. Szeles
- General Hospital of the City of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Division of Vascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Nuria Alfageme-Lopez
- Faculty of Biology and Faculty of Optics, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Daniela Yucuma-Conde
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Xie Li
- The Pediatric Department, Women and Children's Hospital of Hunan, Changsha, China
| | - Julio Mayol
- San Carlos Clinical Hospital, Madrid, Spain
- Institute for Health Research, San Carlos Clinical Hospital (IdISSC), Madrid, Spain
- Faculty of Medicine, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Christoph Neumayer
- General Hospital of the City of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Division of Vascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Michele Papa
- Department of Mental and Physical Health and Preventive Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Naples, Italy
| | - Fivos Panetsos
- Faculty of Biology and Faculty of Optics, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- Institute for Health Research, San Carlos Clinical Hospital (IdISSC), Madrid, Spain
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8
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Sukasem A, Cakmak YO, Khwaounjoo P, Gharibans A, Du P. The effects of low-and high-frequency non-invasive transcutaneous auricular vagal nerve stimulation (taVNS) on gastric slow waves evaluated using in vivo high-resolution mapping in porcine. Neurogastroenterol Motil 2020; 32:e13852. [PMID: 32281229 DOI: 10.1111/nmo.13852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2019] [Revised: 02/25/2020] [Accepted: 03/19/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUNDS Gastric motility is regulated by an electrophysiological activity called slow-wave and neuronal innervations by the vagus nerve. Transcutaneous auricular vagal nerve stimulation (taVNS) has been demonstrated to have therapeutic potential for a wide range of medical conditions, including the management of gastric dysfunctions. The main objective of this study was to gain a better understanding of how non-invasive neuromodulation influences gastric slow wave under in vivo conditions. METHODS TaVNS protocols were applied in conjunction with 192-channel gastric bioelectrical mapping in porcine subjects under general anesthesia. The spatiotemporal profiles of gastric slow wave were assessed under two different taVNS protocols at 10 and 80 Hz. KEY RESULTS The taVNS protocols effectively altered the interval and amplitude of gastric slow waves, but not the velocity or the percentage of spatial dysrhythmias. In the subjects that responded to the protocols, the 10 Hz protocol was shown to normalize slow-wave propagation pattern in 90% of the subjects, whereas the 80 Hz protocol was shown to inhibit slow waves in 60% of the subjects. CONCLUSIONS AND INFERENCES Chronic responses of gastric motility and slow waves in response to taVNS should be investigated using non-invasive means in conscious subjects in future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atchariya Sukasem
- Auckland Bioengineering Institute, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Yusuf Ozgur Cakmak
- Department of Anatomy, The University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand.,Centre For Health Systems and Technology, The University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand.,Brain Health Research Centre, The University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | | | - Armen Gharibans
- Auckland Bioengineering Institute, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.,Department of Surgery, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Peng Du
- Auckland Bioengineering Institute, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.,Department of Engineering Science, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
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9
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Bhatti S, Jaafar I, Hassan H, Atassi H, Stocker A, Hughes M, Pinkston C, Dryden G, Abell T. Effects of Gastric Neuromodulation on Crohn's Disease in Patients With Coexisting Symptoms of Gastroparesis. Neuromodulation 2020; 23:1196-1200. [DOI: 10.1111/ner.13118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2019] [Revised: 12/17/2019] [Accepted: 01/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sundus Bhatti
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition University of Louisville KY USA
| | - Imad Jaafar
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition University of Louisville KY USA
| | - Hamza Hassan
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition University of Louisville KY USA
| | - Hadi Atassi
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition University of Louisville KY USA
| | - Abigail Stocker
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition University of Louisville KY USA
| | | | | | - Gerald Dryden
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition University of Louisville KY USA
| | - Thomas Abell
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition University of Louisville KY USA
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Liu CH, Yang MH, Zhang GZ, Wang XX, Li B, Li M, Woelfer M, Walter M, Wang L. Neural networks and the anti-inflammatory effect of transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation in depression. J Neuroinflammation 2020; 17:54. [PMID: 32050990 PMCID: PMC7017619 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-020-01732-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2019] [Accepted: 01/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) is a relatively non-invasive alternative treatment for patients suffering from major depressive disorder (MDD). It has been postulated that acupuncture may achieve its treatment effects on MDD through suppression of vagal nerve inflammatory responses. Our previous research established that taVNS significantly increases amygdala–dorsolateral prefrontal cortex connectivity, which is associated with a reduction in depression severity. However, the relationship between taVNS and the central/peripheral functional state of the immune system, as well as changes in brain neural circuits, have not as yet been elucidated. In the present paper, we outline the anatomic foundation of taVNS and emphasize that it significantly modulates the activity and connectivity of a wide range of neural networks, including the default mode network, executive network, and networks involved in emotional and reward circuits. In addition, we present the inflammatory mechanism of MDD and describe how taVNS inhibits central and peripheral inflammation, which is possibly related to the effectiveness of taVNS in reducing depression severity. Our review suggests a link between the suppression of inflammation and changes in brain regions/circuits post taVNS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun-Hong Liu
- Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100010, China. .,Beijing Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100010, China.
| | - Ming-Hao Yang
- Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100010, China
| | - Guang-Zhong Zhang
- Dermatological Department, Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100010, China
| | - Xiao-Xu Wang
- Dermatological Department, Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100010, China
| | - Bin Li
- Acupuncture and Moxibustion Department, Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing Key Laboratory of Acupuncture Neuromodulation, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100010, China
| | - Meng Li
- Clinical Affective Neuroimaging Laboratory (CANLAB), Otto-von-Guericke-University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, 39120, Germany.,Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Jena University Hospital, Jena, 07743, Germany
| | - Marie Woelfer
- Clinical Affective Neuroimaging Laboratory (CANLAB), Otto-von-Guericke-University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, 39120, Germany.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, NJ 07102, USA
| | - Martin Walter
- Clinical Affective Neuroimaging Laboratory (CANLAB), Otto-von-Guericke-University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, 39120, Germany.,Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Jena University Hospital, Jena, 07743, Germany.,Department of Behavioral Neurology, Leibniz Institute for Neurobiology, Magdeburg, 39118, Germany.,Center of Behavioral Brain Sciences, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, 39118, Germany
| | - Lihong Wang
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT 06030, USA.
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11
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Kaniusas E, Kampusch S, Tittgemeyer M, Panetsos F, Gines RF, Papa M, Kiss A, Podesser B, Cassara AM, Tanghe E, Samoudi AM, Tarnaud T, Joseph W, Marozas V, Lukosevicius A, Ištuk N, Šarolić A, Lechner S, Klonowski W, Varoneckas G, Széles JC. Current Directions in the Auricular Vagus Nerve Stimulation I - A Physiological Perspective. Front Neurosci 2019; 13:854. [PMID: 31447643 PMCID: PMC6697069 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2019.00854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 137] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2019] [Accepted: 07/30/2019] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Electrical stimulation of the auricular vagus nerve (aVNS) is an emerging technology in the field of bioelectronic medicine with applications in therapy. Modulation of the afferent vagus nerve affects a large number of physiological processes and bodily states associated with information transfer between the brain and body. These include disease mitigating effects and sustainable therapeutic applications ranging from chronic pain diseases, neurodegenerative and metabolic ailments to inflammatory and cardiovascular diseases. Given the current evidence from experimental research in animal and clinical studies we discuss basic aVNS mechanisms and their potential clinical effects. Collectively, we provide a focused review on the physiological role of the vagus nerve and formulate a biology-driven rationale for aVNS. For the first time, two international workshops on aVNS have been held in Warsaw and Vienna in 2017 within the framework of EU COST Action "European network for innovative uses of EMFs in biomedical applications (BM1309)." Both workshops focused critically on the driving physiological mechanisms of aVNS, its experimental and clinical studies in animals and humans, in silico aVNS studies, technological advancements, and regulatory barriers. The results of the workshops are covered in two reviews, covering physiological and engineering aspects. The present review summarizes on physiological aspects - a discussion of engineering aspects is provided by our accompanying article (Kaniusas et al., 2019). Both reviews build a reasonable bridge from the rationale of aVNS as a therapeutic tool to current research lines, all of them being highly relevant for the promising aVNS technology to reach the patient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eugenijus Kaniusas
- Institute of Electrodynamics, Microwave and Circuit Engineering, Vienna University of Technology, Vienna, Austria
| | - Stefan Kampusch
- Institute of Electrodynamics, Microwave and Circuit Engineering, Vienna University of Technology, Vienna, Austria
- SzeleSTIM GmbH, Vienna, Austria
| | - Marc Tittgemeyer
- Max Planck Institute for Metabolism Research, Cologne, Germany
- Cologne Cluster of Excellence in Cellular Stress and Aging Associated Disease (CECAD), Cologne, Germany
| | - Fivos Panetsos
- Neurocomputing and Neurorobotics Research Group, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Raquel Fernandez Gines
- Neurocomputing and Neurorobotics Research Group, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Michele Papa
- Laboratory of Neuronal Networks, Department of Mental and Physical Health and Preventive Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Naples, Italy
| | - Attila Kiss
- Ludwig Boltzmann Cluster for Cardiovascular Research at the Center for Biomedical Research, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Bruno Podesser
- Ludwig Boltzmann Cluster for Cardiovascular Research at the Center for Biomedical Research, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Emmeric Tanghe
- Department of Information Technology, Ghent University/IMEC, Ghent, Belgium
| | | | - Thomas Tarnaud
- Department of Information Technology, Ghent University/IMEC, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Wout Joseph
- Department of Information Technology, Ghent University/IMEC, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Vaidotas Marozas
- Biomedical Engineering Institute, Kaunas University of Technology, Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Arunas Lukosevicius
- Biomedical Engineering Institute, Kaunas University of Technology, Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Niko Ištuk
- Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering and Naval Architecture, University of Split, Split, Croatia
| | - Antonio Šarolić
- Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering and Naval Architecture, University of Split, Split, Croatia
| | | | - Wlodzimierz Klonowski
- Nalecz Institute of Biocybernetics and Biomedical Engineering, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Giedrius Varoneckas
- Sleep Medicine Centre, Klaipeda University Hospital, Klaipëda, Lithuania
- Institute of Neuroscience, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Palanga, Lithuania
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12
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Zubcevic J, Richards EM, Yang T, Kim S, Sumners C, Pepine CJ, Raizada MK. Impaired Autonomic Nervous System-Microbiome Circuit in Hypertension. Circ Res 2019; 125:104-116. [PMID: 31219753 PMCID: PMC6588177 DOI: 10.1161/circresaha.119.313965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Hypertension affects an estimated 103 million Americans, yet gaps in knowledge continue to limit its successful management. Rapidly emerging evidence is linking gut dysbiosis to many disorders and diseases including hypertension. The evolution of the -omics techniques has allowed determination of the abundance and potential function of gut bacterial species by next-generation bacterial sequencing, whereas metabolomics techniques report shifts in bacterial metabolites in the systemic circulation of hypertensive patients and rodent models of hypertension. The gut microbiome and host have evolved to exist in balance and cooperation, and there is extensive crosstalk between the 2 to maintain this balance, including during regulation of blood pressure. However, an understanding of the mechanisms of dysfunctional host-microbiome interactions in hypertension is still lacking. Here, we synthesize some of our recent data with published reports and present concepts and a rationale for our emerging hypothesis of a dysfunctional gut-brain axis in hypertension. Hopefully, this new information will improve the understanding of hypertension and help to address some of these knowledge gaps.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasenka Zubcevic
- Department of Physiological Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine; University of Florida, Gainesville FL32610
| | - Elaine M. Richards
- Department of Physiology and Functional Genomics, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville FL32610
| | - Tao Yang
- Department of Physiology and Functional Genomics, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville FL32610
| | - Seungbum Kim
- Department of Physiology and Functional Genomics, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville FL32610
| | - Colin Sumners
- Department of Physiology and Functional Genomics, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville FL32610
| | - Carl J Pepine
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville FL32610
| | - Mohan K Raizada
- Department of Physiology and Functional Genomics, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville FL32610
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Vasudevan S, Vo J, Shafer B, Nam AS, Vakoc BJ, Hammer DX. Toward optical coherence tomography angiography-based biomarkers to assess the safety of peripheral nerve electrostimulation. J Neural Eng 2019; 16:036024. [PMID: 30917357 PMCID: PMC6583899 DOI: 10.1088/1741-2552/ab1405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Peripheral nerves serve as a link between the central nervous system and its targets. Altering peripheral nerve activity through targeted electrical stimulation is being investigated as a therapy for modulating end organ function. To support rapid advancement in the field, novel approaches to predict and prevent nerve injury resulting from electrical stimulation must be developed to overcome the limitations of traditional histological methods. The present study aims to develop an optical imaging-based approach for real-time assessment of peripheral nerve injury associated with electrical stimulation. APPROACH We developed an optical coherence tomography (OCT) angiography system and a 3D printed stimulating nerve stabilizer (sNS) to assess the real-time microvascular and blood flow changes associated with electrical stimulation of peripheral nerves. We then compared the microvascular changes with established nerve function analysis and immunohistochemistry to correlate changes with nerve injury. MAIN RESULTS Electrical stimulation of peripheral nerves has a direct influence on vessel diameter and capillary flow. The stimulation used in this study did not alter motor function significantly, but a delayed onset of mechanical allodynia at lower thresholds was observed using a sensory function test. Immunohistochemical analysis pointed to an increased number of macrophages within nerve fascicles and axon sprouting potentially related to nerve injury. SIGNIFICANCE This study is the first to demonstrate the ability to image peripheral nerve microvasculature changes during electrical stimulation. This expands the knowledge in the field and can be used to develop potential biomarkers to predict nerve injury resulting from electrical stimulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Srikanth Vasudevan
- Division of Biomedical Physics, Office of Science and Engineering Laboratories, Center for Devices and Radiological Health, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD, United States of America
| | - Jesse Vo
- Division of Biomedical Physics, Office of Science and Engineering Laboratories, Center for Devices and Radiological Health, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD, United States of America
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, United States of America
| | - Benjamin Shafer
- Division of Biomedical Physics, Office of Science and Engineering Laboratories, Center for Devices and Radiological Health, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD, United States of America
| | - Ahhyun S Nam
- Wellman Center for Photomedicine, Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Benjamin J Vakoc
- Wellman Center for Photomedicine, Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Daniel X Hammer
- Division of Biomedical Physics, Office of Science and Engineering Laboratories, Center for Devices and Radiological Health, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD, United States of America
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14
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Cervical vagus nerve morphometry and vascularity in the context of nerve stimulation - A cadaveric study. Sci Rep 2018; 8:7997. [PMID: 29789596 PMCID: PMC5964190 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-26135-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2017] [Accepted: 05/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) has become a well-established therapy for epilepsy and depression, and is emerging to treat inflammatory disease, with the cervical vagus nerve (CVN) as major stimulation site. CVN morphometries are missing for VNS, considering its variability. Morphometric data were obtained from CVNs in 27 cadavers, including branching patterns and histology. Cross-sectional area, greater and lesser diameters averaged 7.2 ± 3.1 mm2, 5.1 ± 1.5 and 4.1 ± 1.3 mm, and were ≤11.0 mm2, ≤7.0 and ≤5.8 mm in 90% of the specimens, respectively. Midline distance (position lateral to the laryngeal eminence) and skin distance (anterior-posterior from skin) averaged 34.5 ± 6.2 and 36.2 ± 9.4 mm, ≤49.0 and ≤41.0 mm in 90%, respectively. Nerve dimensions and surface topography correlated closely, but without gender-, side- or branching-dependent differences. The nerve fascicle number averaged 5.2 ± 3.5. Vagal arteries were observed in 49% of the cases. Negative correlations were found for age and cross-sectional area, as well as subperineural vessel count. Detailed anatomical data on the CVN and its vascularity are given, forming the morphometric basis for VNS refinement, filling an evident gap in light of the CVN being a structure with variable positions and branching. A 35 × 35-mm rule may apply for the CVN position, irrespective of branching or positional variation.
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Breit S, Kupferberg A, Rogler G, Hasler G. Vagus Nerve as Modulator of the Brain-Gut Axis in Psychiatric and Inflammatory Disorders. Front Psychiatry 2018; 9:44. [PMID: 29593576 PMCID: PMC5859128 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2018.00044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 462] [Impact Index Per Article: 77.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2017] [Accepted: 02/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The vagus nerve represents the main component of the parasympathetic nervous system, which oversees a vast array of crucial bodily functions, including control of mood, immune response, digestion, and heart rate. It establishes one of the connections between the brain and the gastrointestinal tract and sends information about the state of the inner organs to the brain via afferent fibers. In this review article, we discuss various functions of the vagus nerve which make it an attractive target in treating psychiatric and gastrointestinal disorders. There is preliminary evidence that vagus nerve stimulation is a promising add-on treatment for treatment-refractory depression, posttraumatic stress disorder, and inflammatory bowel disease. Treatments that target the vagus nerve increase the vagal tone and inhibit cytokine production. Both are important mechanism of resiliency. The stimulation of vagal afferent fibers in the gut influences monoaminergic brain systems in the brain stem that play crucial roles in major psychiatric conditions, such as mood and anxiety disorders. In line, there is preliminary evidence for gut bacteria to have beneficial effect on mood and anxiety, partly by affecting the activity of the vagus nerve. Since, the vagal tone is correlated with capacity to regulate stress responses and can be influenced by breathing, its increase through meditation and yoga likely contribute to resilience and the mitigation of mood and anxiety symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sigrid Breit
- Division of Molecular Psychiatry, Translational Research Center, University Hospital of Psychiatry, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Aleksandra Kupferberg
- Division of Molecular Psychiatry, Translational Research Center, University Hospital of Psychiatry, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Gerhard Rogler
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Gregor Hasler
- Division of Molecular Psychiatry, Translational Research Center, University Hospital of Psychiatry, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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Abstract
A major challenge in the growing field of bioelectronic medicine is the development of tissue interface technologies promoting device integration with biological tissues. Materials based on organic bioelectronics show great promise due to a unique combination of electronic and ionic conductivity properties. In this review, we outline exciting developments in the field of organic bioelectronics and demonstrate the medical importance of these active, electronically controllable materials. Importantly, organic bioelectronics offer a means to control cell-surface attachment as required for many device-tissue applications. Experiments have shown that cells readily attach and proliferate on reduced but not oxidized organic bioelectronic materials. In another application, the active properties of organic bioelectronics were used to develop electronically triggered systems for drug release. After incorporating drugs by advanced loading strategies, small compound drugs were released upon electrochemical trigger, independent of charge. Another type of delivery device was used to achieve well-controlled, spatiotemporal delivery of cationic drugs. Via electrophoretic transport within a polymer, cations were delivered with single-cell precision. Finally, organic bioelectronic materials are commonly used as electrode coatings improving the electrical properties of recording and stimulation electrodes. Because such coatings drastically reduce the electrode impedance, smaller electrodes with improved signal-to-noise ratio can be fabricated. Thus, rapid technological advancement combined with the creation of tiny electronic devices reacting to changes in the tissue environment helps to promote the transition from standard pharmaceutical therapy to treatment based on 'electroceuticals'. Moreover, the widening repertoire of organic bioelectronics will expand the options for true biological interfaces, providing the basis for personalized bioelectronic medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Löffler
- Swedish Medical Nanoscience Center, Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - K Melican
- Swedish Medical Nanoscience Center, Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - K P R Nilsson
- Division of Chemistry, Department of Physics, Chemistry and Biology, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - A Richter-Dahlfors
- Swedish Medical Nanoscience Center, Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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Innervation of the Human Cavum Conchae and Auditory Canal: Anatomical Basis for Transcutaneous Auricular Nerve Stimulation. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2017; 2017:7830919. [PMID: 28396871 PMCID: PMC5371220 DOI: 10.1155/2017/7830919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2016] [Revised: 02/16/2017] [Accepted: 02/28/2017] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
The innocuous transcutaneous stimulation of nerves supplying the outer ear has been demonstrated to be as effective as the invasive direct stimulation of the vagus nerve for the treatment of some neurological and nonneurological disturbances. Thus, the precise knowledge of external ear innervation is of maximal interest for the design of transcutaneous auricular nerve stimulation devices. We analyzed eleven outer ears, and the innervation was assessed by Masson's trichrome staining, immunohistochemistry, or immunofluorescence (neurofilaments, S100 protein, and myelin-basic protein). In both the cavum conchae and the auditory canal, nerve profiles were identified between the cartilage and the skin and out of the cartilage. The density of nerves and of myelinated nerve fibers was higher out of the cartilage and in the auditory canal with respect to the cavum conchae. Moreover, the nerves were more numerous in the superior and posterior-inferior than in the anterior-inferior segments of the auditory canal. The present study established a precise nerve map of the human cavum conchae and the cartilaginous segment of the auditory canal demonstrating regional differences in the pattern of innervation of the human outer ear. These results may provide additional neuroanatomical basis for the accurate design of auricular transcutaneous nerve stimulation devices.
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Kolb H, von Herrath M. Immunotherapy for Type 1 Diabetes: Why Do Current Protocols Not Halt the Underlying Disease Process? Cell Metab 2017; 25:233-241. [PMID: 27839907 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmet.2016.10.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
T cell-directed immunosuppression only transiently delays the loss of β cell function in recent-onset type 1 diabetes. We argue here that the underlying disease process is carried by innate immune reactivity. Inducing a non-polarized functional state of local innate immunity will support regulatory T cell development and β cell proliferation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hubert Kolb
- West-German Centre of Diabetes and Health, Düsseldorf Catholic Hospital Group, Hohensandweg 37, 40591 Düsseldorf, Germany; Faculty of Medicine, University of Düsseldorf, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany.
| | - Matthias von Herrath
- Type 1 Diabetes Center, La Jolla Institute for Allergy and Immunology, La Jolla, CA 92014, USA; Novo Nordisk Diabetes Research and Development Center, Seattle, WA 98191, USA.
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Regueiro M, Greer JB, Szigethy E. Etiology and Treatment of Pain and Psychosocial Issues in Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Diseases. Gastroenterology 2017; 152:430-439.e4. [PMID: 27816599 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2016.10.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2016] [Revised: 10/07/2016] [Accepted: 10/27/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
There is increasing evidence that brain-gut interactions are altered during development of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs). Understanding the relationship between the neurobiology, psychological symptoms, and social ramifications of IBD can guide comprehensive care for the whole patient. The most common psychological conditions in patients with IBD are chronic abdominal pain, anxiety, and depression. We review the evidence-based data and rates of these conditions and their respective relationship to IBD and the diagnostic approaches to identify patients with these conditions. Different treatment options for pain and psychosocial conditions are discussed, and new models of team-based IBD care are introduced. Providing the health care provider with tools to diagnose and manage psychological conditions in patients with Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis is necessary for their total care and should be part of quality-improvement initiatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel Regueiro
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Julia B Greer
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Eva Szigethy
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The use of neurostimulation for treatment of gastrointestinal disorders has been growing over the past two to three decades. Our objective is to review current applications of neurostimulation in the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders with an emphasis on the use of these treatment modalities in children. RECENT FINDINGS Gastric electrical stimulation can lead to symptomatic improvement in children with chronic nausea and vomiting refractory to conventional treatment, and a recent report of long-term outcomes is encouraging. Sacral nerve stimulation can be effective in the treatment of children with constipation and fecal incontinence refractory to conventional treatment, and patient satisfaction with treatment remains high despite the risk of complications requiring further surgery. Abdominal transcutaneous electrical stimulation and posterior tibial nerve stimulation are noninvasive neurostimulation techniques that may be effective in the treatment of children with constipation and fecal incontinence. SUMMARY Although neurostimulation-based treatments appear promising and offer advantages compared to more invasive surgical treatment options, evidence for their benefit in children remains limited. High-quality studies demonstrating safety and efficacy and a better understanding of the mechanism of each modality are needed before there is more widespread acceptance of neurostimulation in the treatment of children with gastrointestinal disorders.
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