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Gerges ANH, Williams EER, Hillier S, Uy J, Hamilton T, Chamberlain S, Hordacre B. Clinical application of transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation: a scoping review. Disabil Rehabil 2024:1-31. [PMID: 38362860 DOI: 10.1080/09638288.2024.2313123] [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: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/27/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) is an emerging non-invasive neuromodulation therapy. This study aimed to explore the therapeutic use of taVNS, optimal stimulation parameters, effective sham protocols, and safety. METHODS A scoping review was conducted. Five databases and grey literature were searched. The data extracted included stimulation parameters, adverse events (AEs), and therapeutic effects on clinical outcomes. RESULTS 109 studies were included. taVNS was used across 21 different clinical populations, most commonly in psychiatric, cardiac, and neurological disorders. Overall, 2,214 adults received active taVNS and 1,017 received sham taVNS. Reporting of stimulation parameters was limited and inconsistent. taVNS appeared to have a favourable therapeutic effect across a wide range of clinical populations with varied parameters. Three sham protocols were reported but their effectiveness was documented in only two of the 54 sham-controlled studies. Most reported adverse events were localised to stimulation site. CONCLUSION There is growing evidence for taVNS therapeutic effect. taVNS appears safe and tolerable. Sham protocols need evaluation. Standardised and comprehensive reporting of both stimulation parameters and adverse events is required. Two different questionnaires have been proposed to evaluate adverse events and the effectiveness of sham methods in blinding participants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashraf N H Gerges
- Innovation, Implementation and Clinical Translation (IIMPACT) in Health, Allied Health and Human Performance, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Ellen E R Williams
- School of Biomedicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
- Hopwood Centre for Neurobiology, Lifelong Health Theme, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), Adelaide, Australia
| | - Susan Hillier
- Innovation, Implementation and Clinical Translation (IIMPACT) in Health, Allied Health and Human Performance, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Jeric Uy
- Innovation, Implementation and Clinical Translation (IIMPACT) in Health, Allied Health and Human Performance, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Taya Hamilton
- Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Perth, Australia
- Fourier Intelligence International Pte Ltd., Global Headquarters, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Saran Chamberlain
- Innovation, Implementation and Clinical Translation (IIMPACT) in Health, Allied Health and Human Performance, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Brenton Hordacre
- Innovation, Implementation and Clinical Translation (IIMPACT) in Health, Allied Health and Human Performance, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
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Krone LB, Fehér KD, Rivero T, Omlin X. Brain stimulation techniques as novel treatment options for insomnia: A systematic review. J Sleep Res 2023; 32:e13927. [PMID: 37202368 PMCID: PMC10909439 DOI: 10.1111/jsr.13927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2023] [Revised: 04/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Despite the success of cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia and recent advances in pharmacotherapy, many patients with insomnia do not sufficiently respond to available treatments. This systematic review aims to present the state of science regarding the use of brain stimulation approaches in treating insomnia. To this end, we searched MEDLINE, Embase and PsycINFO from inception to 24 March 2023. We evaluated studies that compared conditions of active stimulation with a control condition or group. Outcome measures included standardized insomnia questionnaires and/or polysomnography in adults with a clinical diagnosis of insomnia. Our search identified 17 controlled trials that met inclusion criteria, and assessed a total of 967 participants using repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation, transcranial electric stimulation, transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation or forehead cooling. No trials using other techniques such as deep brain stimulation, vestibular stimulation or auditory stimulation met the inclusion criteria. While several studies report improvements of subjective and objective sleep parameters for different repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation and transcranial electric stimulation protocols, important methodological limitations and risk of bias limit their interpretability. A forehead cooling study found no significant group differences in the primary endpoints, but better sleep initiation in the active condition. Two transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation trials found no superiority of active stimulation for most outcome measures. Although modulating sleep through brain stimulation appears feasible, gaps in the prevailing models of sleep physiology and insomnia pathophysiology remain to be filled. Optimized stimulation protocols and proof of superiority over reliable sham conditions are indispensable before brain stimulation becomes a viable treatment option for insomnia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lukas B. Krone
- University Hospital of Psychiatry and PsychotherapyUniversity of BernBernSwitzerland
- Centre for Experimental NeurologyUniversity of BernBernSwitzerland
- Department of Physiology Anatomy and Genetics, Sir Jules Thorn Sleep and Circadian Neuroscience InstituteUniversity of OxfordOxfordUK
- The Kavli Institute for Nanoscience DiscoveryUniversity of OxfordOxfordUK
| | - Kristoffer D. Fehér
- University Hospital of Psychiatry and PsychotherapyUniversity of BernBernSwitzerland
- Geneva University Hospitals (HUG), Division of Psychiatric SpecialtiesUniversity of GenevaGenevaSwitzerland
| | - Tania Rivero
- Medical LibraryUniversity Library of Bern, University of BernBernSwitzerland
| | - Ximena Omlin
- University Hospital of Psychiatry and PsychotherapyUniversity of BernBernSwitzerland
- Geneva University Hospitals (HUG), Division of Psychiatric SpecialtiesUniversity of GenevaGenevaSwitzerland
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Gao X, Wang Y, Meng H, Li S, Jiang H, Zhang Z, He J, Zhao Y, Zhang S, Zhai W, Bao T, Rong P. Acupuncture for brain diseases: Conception, application, and exploration. Anat Rec (Hoboken) 2023; 306:2958-2973. [PMID: 35195374 DOI: 10.1002/ar.24884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2021] [Revised: 12/04/2021] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
The brain is probably the most complex organ in the human body. It has been the hot spot and direction of brain science research all over the world to deeply study the pathogenesis of various kinds of brain diseases and find effective treatment methods. Acupuncture is a nonpharmacological therapy of traditional Chinese medicine originating from ancient clinical practice. The research on the treatment of brain diseases by acupuncture has been constantly enriched and updated with the promotion of interdisciplinary research. In order to account for the current achievements in the field of acupuncture for brain diseases, this article reviews it in terms of conception, application, and exploration. Based on the literature review, we found that in the past decades, acupuncture has received widespread attention worldwide and many literatures have reported the clinical efficacy and underlying mechanisms of acupuncture in the treatment of brain diseases. Presently, the conception, application, and exploration of acupuncture in the treatment of brain diseases have evolved from empirical medicine to evidence-based medicine and precision medicine, and are experiencing a deeper understanding of the information about acupuncture regulating the brain function based on interdisciplinary research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingzhou Gao
- Beijing Key Lab of Plant Resource Research and Development, Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing, China
- School of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Yu Wang
- Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Hong Meng
- Beijing Key Lab of Plant Resource Research and Development, Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing, China
| | - Shaoyuan Li
- Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Huili Jiang
- School of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Zixuan Zhang
- 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
| | - Yanan Zhao
- Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Shuai Zhang
- Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Weihang Zhai
- Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Tuya Bao
- School of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Peijing Rong
- Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
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Wang J, Zhao H, Shi K, Wang M. Treatment of insomnia based on the mechanism of pathophysiology by acupuncture combined with herbal medicine: A review. Medicine (Baltimore) 2023; 102:e33213. [PMID: 36930068 PMCID: PMC10019201 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000033213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Insomnia is a sleep disorder which severely affects patients mood, quality of life and social functioning, serves as a trigger or risk factor to a variety of diseases such as depression, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, obesity and diabetes, and even increases the risk of suicide, and has become an increasingly widespread concern worldwide. Considerable research on insomnia has been conducted in modern medicine in recent years and encouraging results have been achieved in the fields of genetics and neurobiology. Unfortunately, however, the pathogenesis of insomnia remains elusive to modern medicine, and pharmacological treatment of insomnia has been regarded as conventional. However, in the course of treatment, pharmacological treatment itself is increasingly being questioned due to potential dependence and drug resistance and is now being replaced by cognitive behavior therapy as the first-line treatment. As an important component of complementary and alternative medicine, traditional Chinese medicine, especially non-pharmacological treatment methods such as acupuncture, is gaining increasing attention worldwide. In this article, we discuss the combination of traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture, and medicine to treat insomnia based on neurobiology in the context of modern medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Wang
- Department of Pain, Datong Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanxi Province, Datong, China
| | - Haishen Zhao
- Department of Rehabilitation, Luchaogang Community Health Service Center, Pudong New District, Shanghai, China
| | - Kejun Shi
- Department of Rehabilitation, Luchaogang Community Health Service Center, Pudong New District, Shanghai, China
| | - Manya Wang
- Department of Rehabilitation, Luchaogang Community Health Service Center, Pudong New District, Shanghai, China
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5
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Gao Z, Xiao Y, Zhang Y, Zhu F, Tao B, Tang X, Lui S. Comparisons of resting-state brain activity between insomnia and schizophrenia: a coordinate-based meta-analysis. SCHIZOPHRENIA (HEIDELBERG, GERMANY) 2022; 8:80. [PMID: 36207333 PMCID: PMC9547062 DOI: 10.1038/s41537-022-00291-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Growing evidence shows that insomnia is closely associated with schizophrenia (SCZ), but the neural mechanism under the association remains unclear. A direct comparison of the patterns of resting-state brain activities would help understand the above question. Using meta-analytic approach, 11 studies of insomnia vs. healthy controls (HC) and 39 studies of SCZ vs. HC were included to illuminate the common and distinct patterns between insomnia and SCZ. Results showed that SCZ and insomnia shared increased resting-state brain activities in frontolimbic structures including the right medial prefrontal gyrus (mPFC) and left parahippocampal gyrus. SCZ additionally revealed greater increased activities in subcortical areas including bilateral putamen, caudate and right insula and greater decreased activities in precentral gyrus and orbitofrontal gyrus. Our study reveals both shared and distinct activation patterns in SCZ and insomnia, which may provide novel insights for understanding the neural basis of the two disorders and enlighten the possibility of the development of treatment strategies for insomnia in SCZ in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziyang Gao
- grid.412901.f0000 0004 1770 1022Huaxi MR Research Center (HMRRC), Department of Radiology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yuan Xiao
- grid.412901.f0000 0004 1770 1022Huaxi MR Research Center (HMRRC), Department of Radiology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Ye Zhang
- grid.412901.f0000 0004 1770 1022Sleep Medicine Center, Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Mental Health Center, Translational Neuroscience Center, and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Fei Zhu
- grid.412901.f0000 0004 1770 1022Huaxi MR Research Center (HMRRC), Department of Radiology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Bo Tao
- grid.412901.f0000 0004 1770 1022Huaxi MR Research Center (HMRRC), Department of Radiology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiangdong Tang
- grid.412901.f0000 0004 1770 1022Sleep Medicine Center, Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Mental Health Center, Translational Neuroscience Center, and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Su Lui
- grid.412901.f0000 0004 1770 1022Huaxi MR Research Center (HMRRC), Department of Radiology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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Zhang J, Huang WH, Zheng YD, Li X, Jiang HX, Su MZ, Huang XY, Dou ZL, Tang ZM. Effects of auricular acupuncture stimulation on healthy adults’ upper limb motor-evoked potentials: A randomized, crossover, double-blind study. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:895602. [PMID: 36061611 PMCID: PMC9434402 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.895602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective The aim of this study was to determine whether auricular acupuncture has neuromodulatory effects on the motor cortex of healthy adults. Methods Fourteen healthy subjects received a real auricular acupuncture stimulation (SF1) session and a sham acupuncture stimulation session. The interval between the two types of stimulation was more than 24 h. A finger dexterity test (taping score and taping speed by using ipad) was assessed, and motor-evoked potentials (MEP) were assessed before and after each stimulation. Results Before the treatment, there were no significant differences in MEP amplitude, tapping score, or tapping speed (P > 0.05) between the real and sham stimulation conditions. After the treatment, the MEP amplitude, tapping score, and tapping speed in the real stimulation condition increased significantly compared to the pre-stimulation measurements and were significantly higher than those in the sham stimulation condition (P < 0.01). In the sham stimulation condition, the MEP amplitude, tapping score, and tapping speed decreased significantly compared to the pre-stimulation measurements (P < 0.05). Conclusion Acupuncture of auricular points can modulate the excitability of the motor cortex area of controlling the upper limbs. Clinical trial registration [http://www.chictr.org.cn/index.aspx], identifier [ChiCTR2100051608].
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Zhou Q, Yu L, Yin C, Zhang Q, Tai Y, Zhu L, Dong J, Wang Q. Effect of Transauricular Vagus Nerve Stimulation on Rebound Pain After Ropivacaine Single Injection Femoral Nerve Block for Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Randomized Controlled Trial. J Pain Res 2022; 15:1949-1958. [PMID: 35860416 PMCID: PMC9292065 DOI: 10.2147/jpr.s370589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose The aim of this study was to investigate whether transauricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) could reduce the incidence of rebound pain in patients undergoing anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) under general anesthesia combined with preoperative femoral nerve block. Methods In total, 78 patients were enrolled in this prospective, randomized, double-blind, and sham-controlled study. Patients were randomly assigned to 2 groups (n=39): Group taVNS received taVNS (1h /1time, 6times) within the first 12 h after surgery; Group SS received sham stimulation (SS) in the same manner. Pain scores at 0, 4, 8, 12, 24, 48 h after surgery were assessed with Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NRS). The incidence, duration and onset of rebound pain were recorded. In addition, additional analgesic requirements and side effects in the first 48 h postoperatively, as well as sleep disturbance on the night of surgery, were examined. Results The incidence and duration of rebound pain were lower in the taVNS group than in the SS group (P=0.025 and P=0.015, respectively). Pain scores at 8 h and 12 h postoperatively were significantly lower in the taVNS group compared with the SS group (P<0.05). The number of times to press the patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) pump and the number of patients requiring additional analgesic were significantly lower in the taVNS group than in the SS group until 12 h after surgery (P=0.021 and P=0.004, respectively). The number of patients with sleep disturbance in the taVNS group was lower than that in the SS group (P=0.030). Conclusion The taVNS exerts beneficial effect on rebound pain after femoral nerve block in patients undergoing ACLR, which reduces the incidence and duration of rebound pain, the need for postoperative additional analgesic, and the number of complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Zhou
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Third Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, People's Republic of China
| | - Lili Yu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Cangzhou Central Hospital, Cangzhou, Hebei, People's Republic of China
| | - Chunping Yin
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Third Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, People's Republic of China
| | - Qi Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Hebei Children's Hospital Affiliated to Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, People's Republic of China
| | - Yanlei Tai
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Third Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, People's Republic of China
| | - Lian Zhu
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Third Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiangtao Dong
- Department of Joint Surgery, The Third Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, People's Republic of China
| | - Qiujun Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Third Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, People's Republic of China
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Hao M, Liu X, Guo SW. Activation of α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor retards the development of endometriosis. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2022; 20:85. [PMID: 35658970 PMCID: PMC9166516 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-022-00955-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Women with endometriosis have been shown to have a reduced vagal tone as compared with controls and vagotomy promoted while vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) decelerated the progression of endometriosis in mice. Extensive research also has shown that the activation of the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway by VNS activates α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7nAChR), potently reducing inflammation. Yet whether α7nAChR plays any role in endometriosis is unknown. We evaluated its expression in normal endometrium, ovarian and deep endometriotic lesions, and evaluated its role in the development of endometriosis. METHODS Immunohistochemistry analyses of α7nAChR in endometriotic lesions as well as control endometrium, and quantification of tissue fibrosis by Masson trichrome staining were performed. Mouse experiments were conducted to evaluate the impact of α7nAChR activation or suppression on lesional progression and possible therapeutic effect. Finally, in vitro experiments were conducted to evaluate the effect of activation of α7nAChR on epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), fibroblast-to-myofibroblast transdifferentiation (FMT), smooth muscle metaplasia (SMM) and fibrogenesis in an endometriotic epithelial cell line and primary endometriotic stromal cells derived from ovarian endometrioma tissue samples. RESULTS Immunostaining of α7nAChR was significantly reduced in human endometriotic epithelial cells as compared with their counterpart in normal endometrium. Lesional α7nAChR staining levels correlated negatively with lesional fibrosis and the severity of dysmenorrhea. The α7nAChR agonist significantly impeded the development of endometriotic lesions in mouse models possibly through hindrance of EMT and FMT. It also demonstrated therapeutic effects in mice with induced deep endometriosis. Treatment of endometriotic epithelial and stromal cells with an α7nAChR agonist significantly abrogated platelet-induced EMT, FMT and SMM, and suppressed cellular contractility and collagen production. CONCLUSIONS α7nAChR is suppressed in endometriotic lesions, and its activation by pharmacological means can impede EMT, FMT, SMM, and fibrogenesis of endometriotic lesions. As such, α7nAChR can be rightfully viewed as a potential target for therapeutic invention. TRIAL REGISTRATION Not applicable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meihua Hao
- Shanghai Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Xishi Liu
- Shanghai Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200011, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine-Related Diseases, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Sun-Wei Guo
- Shanghai Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200011, China.
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine-Related Diseases, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
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Mao Y, Chen C, Falahpour M, MacNiven KH, Heit G, Sharma V, Alataris K, Liu TT. Effects of Sub-threshold Transcutaneous Auricular Vagus Nerve Stimulation on Cingulate Cortex and Insula Resting-state Functional Connectivity. Front Hum Neurosci 2022; 16:862443. [PMID: 35496068 PMCID: PMC9048677 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2022.862443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS), a non-invasive alternative to vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) with implantable devices, has shown promise in treating disorders such as depression, migraine, and insomnia. Studies of these disorders with resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) (rsfMRI) have found sustained changes in resting-state functional connectivity (rsFC) in patients treated with low frequency (1–20 Hz) taVNS. A recent study has reported reductions in pain scores in patients with rheumatoid arthritis after a 12-week treatment of high-frequency (20 kHz) sub-threshold taVNS. However, no studies to date have examined the effects of high-frequency sub-threshold taVNS on rsFC. The objective of this study was to determine whether high-frequency sub-threshold taVNS induces changes in rsFC using seed regions from the cingulate cortex and insula, brain regions that play a key role in interoception and processing of pain. With a single-blind placebo-controlled repeated measures experimental design, rsfMRI scans were acquired before and after 15 min of either sub-threshold taVNS treatment or a sham control. Significant taVNS-related changes in functional connections to the cingulate cortex were detected between the anterior cingulate cortex and right superior temporal gyrus and between the midcingulate cortex and right inferior parietal lobule. In addition, significant changes in functional connections to the insula were detected between the posterior insula and right precuneus and between the anterior insula and right cuneus gyrus. These results suggest that high-frequency sub-threshold taVNS can lead to sustained effects on the rsFC of brain regions involved in interoception and processing of pain in a cohort of healthy subjects. This study lays the foundation for future rsfMRI studies of high-frequency sub-threshold taVNS in clinical populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yixiang Mao
- Center for Functional MRI, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
- *Correspondence: Yixiang Mao
| | - Conan Chen
- Center for Functional MRI, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Maryam Falahpour
- Center for Functional MRI, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Kelly H. MacNiven
- Department of Psychology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States
- Nēsos Corporation, Redwood City, CA, United States
| | - Gary Heit
- Nēsos Corporation, Redwood City, CA, United States
- Department of Neurosurgery, Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Hue, Vietnam
| | - Vivek Sharma
- Nēsos Corporation, Redwood City, CA, United States
| | | | - Thomas T. Liu
- Center for Functional MRI, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
- Departments of Radiology, Psychiatry, and Bioengineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
- Thomas T. Liu
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10
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Um YH, Wang SM, Kang DW, Kim NY, Lim HK. Alterations of Resting-State Locus Coeruleus Functional Connectivity After Transdermal Trigeminal Electrical Neuromodulation in Insomnia. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:875227. [PMID: 35619611 PMCID: PMC9127056 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.875227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Transdermal trigeminal electrical neuromodulation (TTEN) is a novel treatment modality that is known for noradrenergic modulation through the trigeminal nerve and locus coeruleus (LC). This study aimed to demonstrate the alterations of LC functional connectivity (FC) in patients with insomnia after a 4-week TTEN. METHODS The Cefaly device targeting the ophthalmic division of the trigeminal nerve was applied to a total of 12 patients with insomnia to monitor for the effects of TTEN. All the patients went through a 4-week daily 20 min TTEN sessions before bedtime. Baseline and post-TTEN demographic data, polysomnography (PSG) parameters, and insomnia severity index (ISI) were attained. Data from pre- and post-intervention resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were collected. LC FC differences were measured between the pre-and post-TTEN groups through seed-to-voxel analysis. Correlation analyses were conducted between LC FC changes after TTEN, ISI score changes, and PSG parameter changes. RESULTS There was a significantly decreased LC FC with occipital and temporal cortices after a 4-week TTEN. However, there was no significant correlation between LC FC, ISI score changes, and PSG parameter changes. CONCLUSION By targeting hyperarousal symptoms of insomnia, TTEN can be a promising intervention that can modulate LC FC in patients with insomnia patients. The data presented in the study are from a study exploring the effect of TTEN on insomnia (www.clinicaltrials.gov, NCT04838067).
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoo Hyun Um
- Department of Psychiatry, St. Vincent's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Sheng-Min Wang
- Department of Psychiatry, Yeouido St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Dong Woo Kang
- Department of Psychiatry, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Nak-Young Kim
- Department of Psychiatry, Keyo Hospital, Keyo Medical Foundation, Uiwang, South Korea
| | - Hyun Kook Lim
- Department of Psychiatry, Yeouido St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, South Korea
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Zhu S, Zhang X, Zhou M, Kendrick KM, Zhao W. Therapeutic applications of transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation with potential for application in neurodevelopmental or other pediatric disorders. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:1000758. [PMID: 36313768 PMCID: PMC9596914 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.1000758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-invasive transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) as a newly developed technique involves stimulating the cutaneous receptive field formed by the auricular branch of the vagus nerve in the outer ear, with resulting activation of vagal connections to central and peripheral nervous systems. Increasing evidence indicates that maladaptive neural plasticity may underlie the pathology of several pediatric neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorders, such as autism spectrum disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, disruptive behavioral disorder and stress-related disorder. Vagal stimulation may therefore provide a useful intervention for treating maladaptive neural plasticity. In the current review we summarize the current literature primarily on therapeutic use in adults and discuss the prospects of applying taVNS as a therapeutic intervention in specific pediatric neurodevelopmental and other psychiatric disorders. Furthermore, we also briefly discuss factors that would help optimize taVNS protocols in future clinical applications. We conclude from these initial findings that taVNS may be a promising alternative treatment for pediatric disorders which do not respond to other interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siyu Zhu
- The Clinical Hospital of Chengdu Brain Science Institute, Key Laboratory for NeuroInformation of Ministry of Education, Center for Information in Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiaolu Zhang
- The Clinical Hospital of Chengdu Brain Science Institute, Key Laboratory for NeuroInformation of Ministry of Education, Center for Information in Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Menghan Zhou
- The Clinical Hospital of Chengdu Brain Science Institute, Key Laboratory for NeuroInformation of Ministry of Education, Center for Information in Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Keith M. Kendrick
- The Clinical Hospital of Chengdu Brain Science Institute, Key Laboratory for NeuroInformation of Ministry of Education, Center for Information in Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Weihua Zhao
- The Clinical Hospital of Chengdu Brain Science Institute, Key Laboratory for NeuroInformation of Ministry of Education, Center for Information in Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
- Institute of Electronic and Information Engineering of University of Electronic Science and Technology of China (UESTC) in Guangdong, Dongguan, China
- *Correspondence: Weihua Zhao,
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12
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Guo ZP, Sörös P, Zhang ZQ, Yang MH, Liao D, Liu CH. Use of Transcutaneous Auricular Vagus Nerve Stimulation as an Adjuvant Therapy for the Depressive Symptoms of COVID-19: A Literature Review. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:765106. [PMID: 34975571 PMCID: PMC8714783 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.765106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2021] [Accepted: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) comprises more than just severe acute respiratory syndrome. It also interacts with the cardiovascular, nervous, renal, and immune systems at multiple levels, increasing morbidity in patients with underlying cardiometabolic conditions and inducing myocardial injury or dysfunction. Transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS), which is derived from auricular acupuncture, has become a popular therapy that is increasingly accessible to the general public in modern China. Here, we begin by outlining the historical background of taVNS, and then describe important links between dysfunction in proinflammatory cytokine release and related multiorgan damage in COVID-19. Furthermore, we emphasize the important relationships between proinflammatory cytokines and depressive symptoms. Finally, we discuss how taVNS improves immune function via the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway and modulates brain circuits via the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, making taVNS an important treatment for depressive symptoms on post-COVID-19 sequelae. Our review suggests that the link between anti-inflammatory processes and brain circuits could be a potential target for treating COVID-19-related multiorgan damage, as well as depressive symptoms using taVNS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi-Peng Guo
- Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Peter Sörös
- Research Center Neurosensory Science, Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Zhu-Qing Zhang
- Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Ming-Hao Yang
- Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Dan Liao
- Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Chun-Hong Liu
- Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Acupuncture Neuromodulation, Beijing Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
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