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Berthon A, Wernisch L, Stoukidi M, Thornton M, Tessier-Lariviere O, Fortier-Poisson P, Mamen J, Pinkney M, Lee S, Sarkans E, Annecchino L, Appleton B, Garsed P, Patterson B, Gonshaw S, Jakopec M, Shunmugam S, Edwards T, Tukiainen A, Jennings J, Lajoie G, Hewage E, Armitage O. Using neural biomarkers to personalize dosing of vagus nerve stimulation. Bioelectron Med 2024; 10:15. [PMID: 38880906 PMCID: PMC11181600 DOI: 10.1186/s42234-024-00147-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) is an established therapy for treating a variety of chronic diseases, such as epilepsy, depression, obesity, and for stroke rehabilitation. However, lack of precision and side-effects have hindered its efficacy and extension to new conditions. Achieving a better understanding of the relationship between VNS parameters and neural and physiological responses is therefore necessary to enable the design of personalized dosing procedures and improve precision and efficacy of VNS therapies. METHODS We used biomarkers from recorded evoked fiber activity and short-term physiological responses (throat muscle, cardiac and respiratory activity) to understand the response to a wide range of VNS parameters in anaesthetised pigs. Using signal processing, Gaussian processes (GP) and parametric regression models we analyse the relationship between VNS parameters and neural and physiological responses. RESULTS Firstly, we illustrate how considering multiple stimulation parameters in VNS dosing can improve the efficacy and precision of VNS therapies. Secondly, we describe the relationship between different VNS parameters and the evoked fiber activity and show how spatially selective electrodes can be used to improve fiber recruitment. Thirdly, we provide a detailed exploration of the relationship between the activations of neural fiber types and different physiological effects. Finally, based on these results, we discuss how recordings of evoked fiber activity can help design VNS dosing procedures that optimize short-term physiological effects safely and efficiently. CONCLUSION Understanding of evoked fiber activity during VNS provide powerful biomarkers that could improve the precision, safety and efficacy of VNS therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Guillaume Lajoie
- Université de Montréal and Mila-Quebec AI Institute, Montréal, Canada
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Wernisch L, Edwards T, Berthon A, Tessier-Lariviere O, Sarkans E, Stoukidi M, Fortier-Poisson P, Pinkney M, Thornton M, Hanley C, Lee S, Jennings J, Appleton B, Garsed P, Patterson B, Buttinger W, Gonshaw S, Jakopec M, Shunmugam S, Mamen J, Tukiainen A, Lajoie G, Armitage O, Hewage E. Online Bayesian optimization of vagus nerve stimulation. J Neural Eng 2024; 21:026019. [PMID: 38479016 DOI: 10.1088/1741-2552/ad33ae] [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: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Objective.In bioelectronic medicine, neuromodulation therapies induce neural signals to the brain or organs, modifying their function. Stimulation devices capable of triggering exogenous neural signals using electrical waveforms require a complex and multi-dimensional parameter space to control such waveforms. Determining the best combination of parameters (waveform optimization or dosing) for treating a particular patient's illness is therefore challenging. Comprehensive parameter searching for an optimal stimulation effect is often infeasible in a clinical setting due to the size of the parameter space. Restricting this space, however, may lead to suboptimal therapeutic results, reduced responder rates, and adverse effects.Approach. As an alternative to a full parameter search, we present a flexible machine learning, data acquisition, and processing framework for optimizing neural stimulation parameters, requiring as few steps as possible using Bayesian optimization. This optimization builds a model of the neural and physiological responses to stimulations, enabling it to optimize stimulation parameters and provide estimates of the accuracy of the response model. The vagus nerve (VN) innervates, among other thoracic and visceral organs, the heart, thus controlling heart rate (HR), making it an ideal candidate for demonstrating the effectiveness of our approach.Main results.The efficacy of our optimization approach was first evaluated on simulated neural responses, then applied to VN stimulation intraoperatively in porcine subjects. Optimization converged quickly on parameters achieving target HRs and optimizing neural B-fiber activations despite high intersubject variability.Significance.An optimized stimulation waveform was achieved in real time with far fewer stimulations than required by alternative optimization strategies, thus minimizing exposure to side effects. Uncertainty estimates helped avoiding stimulations outside a safe range. Our approach shows that a complex set of neural stimulation parameters can be optimized in real-time for a patient to achieve a personalized precision dosing.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Guillaume Lajoie
- Université de Montréal and Mila-Quebec AI Institute, Montréal, Canada
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3
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Hamza M, Carron R, Dibué M, Moiraghi A, Barrit S, Filipescu C, Landré E, Gavaret M, Domenech P, Pallud J, Zanello M. Right-sided vagus nerve stimulation for drug-resistant epilepsy: A systematic review of the literature and perspectives. Seizure 2024; 117:298-304. [PMID: 38615369 DOI: 10.1016/j.seizure.2024.02.011] [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: 12/16/2023] [Revised: 02/11/2024] [Accepted: 02/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Right-sided vagus nerve stimulation (RS-VNS) is indicated when the procedure was deemed not technically feasible or too risky on the indicated left side. OBJECTIVE The present study aims to systematically review the literature on RS-VNS, assessing its effectiveness and safety. METHODS A systematic review following PRISMA guidelines was conducted: Pubmed/MEDLINE, The Cochrane Library, Scopus, Embase and Web of science databases were searched from inception to August 13th,2023. Gray literature was searched in two libraries. Eligible studies included all studies reporting, at least, one single case of RS-VNS in patients for the treatment of drug-resistant epilepsy. RESULTS Out of 2333 initial results, 415 studies were screened by abstract. Only four were included in the final analysis comprising seven patients with RS-VNS for a drug-resistant epilepsy. One patient experienced nocturnal asymptomatic bradycardia whereas the other six patients did not display any cardiac symptom. RS-VNS was discontinued in one case due to exercise-induced airway disease exacerbation. Decrease of epileptic seizure frequency after RS-VNS ranged from 25 % to 100 % in six cases. In the remaining case, VNS effectiveness was unclear. In one case, RS-VNS was more efficient than left-sided VNS (69 % vs 50 %, respectively) whereas in another case, RS-VNS was less efficient (50 % vs 95 %, respectively). CONCLUSION Literature on the present topic is limited. In six out of seven patients, RS-VNS for drug-resistant epilepsy displayed reasonable effectiveness with a low complication rate. Further research, including prospective studies, is necessary to assess safety and effectiveness of RS-VNS for drug-resistant epilepsy patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meissa Hamza
- Department of Neurosurgery, GHU Paris - Sainte-Anne Hospital, Paris, France; Paris Descartes University, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Romain Carron
- Aix Marseille Université, INSERM, INS, Institut de Neurosciences des Systèmes, Marseille, France; Department of Functional and Stereotactic Neurosurgery, Timone University Hospital, Marseille, France
| | - Maxine Dibué
- Department of Neurosurgery, Friedrich-Schiller University, Jena, Germany; Medical Affairs Neuromodulation International, LivaNova PLC, London United Kingdom
| | - Alessandro Moiraghi
- Department of Neurosurgery, GHU Paris - Sainte-Anne Hospital, Paris, France; Paris Descartes University, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France; Université Paris Cité, INSERM UMR1266, IPNP, Paris, France
| | - Sami Barrit
- Department of Neurosurgery, Erasmus Hospital, Free University of Brussels, Belgium
| | - Cristina Filipescu
- Neurophysiology Department, GHU Paris Psychiatrie et Neurosciences, Sainte-Anne Hospital, Paris, France
| | - Elisabeth Landré
- Neurophysiology Department, GHU Paris Psychiatrie et Neurosciences, Sainte-Anne Hospital, Paris, France
| | - Martine Gavaret
- Paris Descartes University, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France; Université Paris Cité, INSERM UMR1266, IPNP, Paris, France; Neurophysiology Department, GHU Paris Psychiatrie et Neurosciences, Sainte-Anne Hospital, Paris, France
| | - Philippe Domenech
- Neuromodulation Institute, GHU Paris, Psychiatrie et neurosciences, Hôpital Saint-Anne, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France; Cognitive Neuroimaging Unit, INSERM, CEA, CNRS, Université Paris-Saclay, NeuroSpin Center, France
| | - Johan Pallud
- Department of Neurosurgery, GHU Paris - Sainte-Anne Hospital, Paris, France; Paris Descartes University, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France; Université Paris Cité, INSERM UMR1266, IPNP, Paris, France
| | - Marc Zanello
- Department of Neurosurgery, GHU Paris - Sainte-Anne Hospital, Paris, France; Paris Descartes University, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France; Université Paris Cité, INSERM UMR1266, IPNP, Paris, France.
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Giannino G, Braia V, Griffith Brookles C, Giacobbe F, D'Ascenzo F, Angelini F, Saglietto A, De Ferrari GM, Dusi V. The Intrinsic Cardiac Nervous System: From Pathophysiology to Therapeutic Implications. BIOLOGY 2024; 13:105. [PMID: 38392323 PMCID: PMC10887082 DOI: 10.3390/biology13020105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2024] [Revised: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
The cardiac autonomic nervous system (CANS) plays a pivotal role in cardiac homeostasis as well as in cardiac pathology. The first level of cardiac autonomic control, the intrinsic cardiac nervous system (ICNS), is located within the epicardial fat pads and is physically organized in ganglionated plexi (GPs). The ICNS system does not only contain parasympathetic cardiac efferent neurons, as long believed, but also afferent neurons and local circuit neurons. Thanks to its high degree of connectivity, combined with neuronal plasticity and memory capacity, the ICNS allows for a beat-to-beat control of all cardiac functions and responses as well as integration with extracardiac and higher centers for longer-term cardiovascular reflexes. The present review provides a detailed overview of the current knowledge of the bidirectional connection between the ICNS and the most studied cardiac pathologies/conditions (myocardial infarction, heart failure, arrhythmias and heart transplant) and the potential therapeutic implications. Indeed, GP modulation with efferent activity inhibition, differently achieved, has been studied for atrial fibrillation and functional bradyarrhythmias, while GP modulation with efferent activity stimulation has been evaluated for myocardial infarction, heart failure and ventricular arrhythmias. Electrical therapy has the unique potential to allow for both kinds of ICNS modulation while preserving the anatomical integrity of the system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Giannino
- Cardiology, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, 10124 Torino, Italy
- Division of Cardiology, Cardiovascular and Thoracic Department, 'Città della Salute e della Scienza' Hospital, 10126 Torino, Italy
| | - Valentina Braia
- Cardiology, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, 10124 Torino, Italy
- Division of Cardiology, Cardiovascular and Thoracic Department, 'Città della Salute e della Scienza' Hospital, 10126 Torino, Italy
| | - Carola Griffith Brookles
- Cardiology, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, 10124 Torino, Italy
- Division of Cardiology, Cardiovascular and Thoracic Department, 'Città della Salute e della Scienza' Hospital, 10126 Torino, Italy
| | - Federico Giacobbe
- Cardiology, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, 10124 Torino, Italy
- Division of Cardiology, Cardiovascular and Thoracic Department, 'Città della Salute e della Scienza' Hospital, 10126 Torino, Italy
| | - Fabrizio D'Ascenzo
- Cardiology, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, 10124 Torino, Italy
- Division of Cardiology, Cardiovascular and Thoracic Department, 'Città della Salute e della Scienza' Hospital, 10126 Torino, Italy
| | - Filippo Angelini
- Division of Cardiology, Cardiovascular and Thoracic Department, 'Città della Salute e della Scienza' Hospital, 10126 Torino, Italy
| | - Andrea Saglietto
- Division of Cardiology, Cardiovascular and Thoracic Department, 'Città della Salute e della Scienza' Hospital, 10126 Torino, Italy
| | - Gaetano Maria De Ferrari
- Cardiology, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, 10124 Torino, Italy
- Division of Cardiology, Cardiovascular and Thoracic Department, 'Città della Salute e della Scienza' Hospital, 10126 Torino, Italy
| | - Veronica Dusi
- Cardiology, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, 10124 Torino, Italy
- Division of Cardiology, Cardiovascular and Thoracic Department, 'Città della Salute e della Scienza' Hospital, 10126 Torino, Italy
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Kavakbasi E, Baune BT. [Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS) in Depression]. FORTSCHRITTE DER NEUROLOGIE-PSYCHIATRIE 2023. [PMID: 37956870 DOI: 10.1055/a-2165-7860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
Major depressive disorder is a common mental health disease with a chronic and treatment-resistant course in about one-third of patients. Invasive vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) as a long-term adjunctive treatment option has increasingly been used in the last years. VNS was CE-certified in the European Union for use in chronic and treatment-resistant depression in 2001. Method In this narrative literature review we provide an overview on VNS as a treatment option in patients with depression. We particularly focus on aspects with high clinical relevance. Results Indication to conduct VNS is determined after comprehensive evaluation of the patients' symptoms and psychiatric history. After education of patients and caregivers and obtaining informed consent, a pacemaker-like pulse generator is implanted in the left chest in a short surgical procedure. In the first weeks after implantation, the stimulation is turned on stepwise in an outpatient setting. The left vagal nerve is stimulated for 30 sec. every 5 minutes. Hoarseness during stimulation is the most frequent side-effect. There is a delay in the onset of antidepressant action of about 6-12 months. In a large registry, the cumulative response rate after 5 years was significantly higher (67.6%) in patients treated with VNS plus treatment-as-usual (TAU) than TAU alone (40.9%). Long-term benefits of VNS on quality of life, cognition, morbidity and mortality have been described previously. Conclusion VNS is a long-term safe treatment option in severely affected patients with depression with positive impact on depression severity, quality of life and cognitive function. Increase of monoaminergic transmission and anti-inflammatory effects of VNS are possible mechanisms of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erhan Kavakbasi
- Klinik für Psychische Gesundheit, Universitätsklinikum Münster, Universität Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Bernhard T Baune
- Klinik für Psychische Gesundheit, Universitätsklinikum Münster, Universität Münster, Münster, Germany
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Booth LC, Saseetharan B, May CN, Yao ST. Selective efferent vagal stimulation in heart failure. Exp Physiol 2023. [PMID: 37755233 DOI: 10.1113/ep090866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023]
Abstract
Patients diagnosed with heart failure have high rates of mortality and morbidity. Based on promising preclinical studies, vagal nerve stimulation has been trialled in these patients using whole nerve electrical stimulation, but the results have been mixed. This is, at least in part, due to an inability to selectively recruit the activity of specific fibres within the vagus with whole nerve electrical stimulation, as well as not knowing which the 'therapeutic' fibres are. This symposium review focuses on a population of cardiac-projecting efferent vagal fibres with cell bodies located within the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus nerve and a new method of selectively targeting these projections as a potential treatment in heart failure. NEW FINDINGS: What is the topic of this review? Selective efferent vagal stimulation in heart failure. What advances does it highlight? Selectively targeting a population of cardiac-projecting efferent vagal fibres with cell bodies within the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus using optogenetics slows the progression of heart failure in rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsea C Booth
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Baagavi Saseetharan
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Clive N May
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Song T Yao
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
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7
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Dusi V, Angelini F, De Ferrari GM. Vagus Nerve Stimulation for Myocardial Ischemia: The Sooner the Better. JACC Basic Transl Sci 2023; 8:1119-1122. [PMID: 37791308 PMCID: PMC10544077 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacbts.2023.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/05/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Veronica Dusi
- Cardiology, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Torino, Italy
- Division of Cardiology, Cardiovascular and Thoracic Department, ‘Città della Salute e della Scienza’ Hospital, Torino, Italy
| | - Filippo Angelini
- Division of Cardiology, Cardiovascular and Thoracic Department, ‘Città della Salute e della Scienza’ Hospital, Torino, Italy
| | - Gaetano Maria De Ferrari
- Cardiology, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Torino, Italy
- Division of Cardiology, Cardiovascular and Thoracic Department, ‘Città della Salute e della Scienza’ Hospital, Torino, Italy
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Wu Z, Liao J, Liu Q, Zhou S, Chen M. Chronic vagus nerve stimulation in patients with heart failure: challenge or failed translation? Front Cardiovasc Med 2023; 10:1052471. [PMID: 37534273 PMCID: PMC10390725 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2023.1052471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Autonomic imbalance between the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems contributes to the progression of chronic heart failure (HF). Preclinical studies have demonstrated that various neuromodulation strategies may exert beneficial cardioprotective effects in preclinical models of HF. Based on these encouraging experimental data, vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) has been assessed in patients with HF with a reduced ejection fraction. Nevertheless, the main trials conducted thus far have yielded conflicting findings, questioning the clinical efficacy of VNS in this context. This review will therefore focus on the role of the autonomic nervous system in HF pathophysiology and VNS therapy, highlighting the potential reasons behind the discrepancy between preclinical and clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhihong Wu
- Department of Cardiovascular, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Jiaying Liao
- Department of Nephrology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Qiming Liu
- Department of Cardiovascular, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Shenghua Zhou
- Department of Cardiovascular, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Mingxian Chen
- Department of Cardiovascular, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
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9
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Arya AV, Bisht H, Tripathi A, Agrawal M, Konat A, Patel J, Mozumder K, Shah D, Chaturvedi D, Sharma K. A Comparative Review of Vagal Nerve Stimulation Versus Baroreceptor Activation Therapy in Cardiac Diseases. Cureus 2023; 15:e40889. [PMID: 37492836 PMCID: PMC10364457 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.40889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Sympathetic imbalance coupled with impairment of baroreceptor control is a key factor responsible for hemodynamic abnormalities in congestive heart failure. Vagal nerve stimulation (VNS) and baroreceptor activation therapy (BAT) are two novel interventions for the same. In this paper, we review the role of sympathovagal alterations in cardiac diseases like heart failure, arrhythmia, hypertension (HTN), etc. Studies like neural cardiac therapy for heart failure (NECTAR-HF), autonomic regulation therapy to enhance myocardial function and reduce progression of heart failure (ANTHEM-HF), and baroreflex activation therapy for heart failure (BEAT-HF), which comprise the history, efficacy, limitations, and current protocols, were extensively analyzed in contrast to one another. Vagal nerve stimulation reverses the reflex inhibition of cardiac vagal efferent activity, which is caused as a result of sympathetic overdrive during the course for heart failure. It has shown encouraging results in certain pre-clinical studies; however, there is also a possibility of serious cardiovascular adverse events if given in higher than the recommended dosage. Attenuated baroreflex sensitivity is attributed to cardiac arrhythmogenesis during heart failure. Baroreceptor activation therapy reverses this phenomenon. However, the surgical procedure for baroreceptor stimulation can have unwarranted complications, including worsening heart failure and hypertension. Considering the effectiveness of the given modalities and taking into account the inconclusive evidence of their adverse events, more clinical trials are needed for establishing the future prospects of these interventional approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akshat V Arya
- Internal Medicine, Byramjee Jeejeebhoy Medical College, Ahmedabad, IND
| | - Himanshi Bisht
- Medicine, Byramjee Jeejeebhoy Medical College, Ahmedabad, IND
| | | | - Manali Agrawal
- Internal Medicine, Byramjee Jeejeebhoy Medical College, Ahmedabad, IND
| | - Ashwati Konat
- Zoology, Biomedical Technology and Human Genetics, Gujarat University, Ahmedabad, IND
| | - Jay Patel
- Internal Medicine, Byramjee Jeejeebhoy Medical College, Ahmedabad, IND
| | - Kamalika Mozumder
- Internal Medicine, Byramjee Jeejeebhoy Medical College, Ahmedabad, IND
| | - Dhrumil Shah
- Internal Medicine, Gujarat Medical Education and Research Society Medical College, Gandhinagar, IND
| | | | - Kamal Sharma
- Cardiology, Kamal Sharma Cardiology Clinic, Ahmedabad, IND
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Truter N, Malan L, Essop MF. Glial cell activity in cardiovascular diseases and risk of acute myocardial infarction. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2023; 324:H373-H390. [PMID: 36662577 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00332.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Growing evidence indicates that the pathophysiological link between the brain and heart underlies cardiovascular diseases, specifically acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Astrocytes are the most abundant glial cells in the central nervous system and provide support/protection for neurons. Astrocytes and peripheral glial cells are emerging as key modulators of the brain-heart axis in AMI, by affecting sympathetic nervous system activity (centrally and peripherally). This review, therefore, aimed to gain an improved understanding of glial cell activity and AMI risk. This includes discussions on the potential role of contributing factors in AMI risk, i.e., autonomic nervous system dysfunction, glial-neurotrophic and ischemic risk markers [glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), astrocytic S100 calcium-binding protein B (S100B), silent myocardial ischemia, and cardiac troponin T (cTnT)]. Consideration of glial cell activity and related contributing factors in certain brain-heart disorders, namely, blood-brain barrier dysfunction, myocardial ischemia, and chronic psychological stress, may improve our understanding regarding the pathological role that glial dysfunction can play in the development/onset of AMI. Here, findings demonstrated perturbations in glial cell activity and contributing factors (especially sympathetic activity). Moreover, emerging AMI risk included sympathovagal imbalance, low GDNF levels reflecting prothrombic risk, hypertension, and increased ischemia due to perfusion deficits (indicated by S100B and cTnT levels). Such perturbations impacted blood-barrier function and perfusion that were exacerbated during psychological stress. Thus, greater insights and consideration regarding such biomarkers may help drive future studies investigating brain-heart axis pathologies to gain a deeper understanding of astrocytic glial cell contributions and unlock potential novel therapies for AMI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina Truter
- Centre for Cardio-metabolic Research in Africa, Department of Physiological Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Leoné Malan
- Technology Transfer and Innovation-Support Office, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - M Faadiel Essop
- Centre for Cardio-metabolic Research in Africa, Division of Medical Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
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11
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Kronsteiner B, Haberbusch M, Aigner P, Kramer AM, Pilz PM, Podesser BK, Kiss A, Moscato F. A novel ex-vivo isolated rabbit heart preparation to explore the cardiac effects of cervical and cardiac vagus nerve stimulation. Sci Rep 2023; 13:4214. [PMID: 36918673 PMCID: PMC10014867 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-31135-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The cardiac responses to vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) are still not fully understood, partly due to uncontrollable confounders in the in-vivo experimental condition. Therefore, an ex-vivo Langendorff-perfused rabbit heart with intact vagal innervation is proposed to study VNS in absence of cofounding anesthetic or autonomic influences. The feasibility to evoke chronotropic responses through electrical stimulation ex-vivo was studied in innervated isolated rabbit hearts (n = 6). The general nerve excitability was assessed through the ability to evoke a heart rate (HR) reduction of at least 5 bpm (physiological threshold). The excitability was quantified as the charge needed for a 10-bpm HR reduction. The results were compared to a series of in-vivo experiments rabbits (n = 5). In the ex-vivo isolated heart, the baseline HR was about 20 bpm lower than in-vivo (158 ± 11 bpm vs 181 ± 19 bpm). Overall, the nerve remained excitable for about 5 h ex-vivo. The charges required to reduce HR by 5 bpm were 9 ± 6 µC and 549 ± 370 µC, ex-vivo and in-vivo, respectively. The charges needed for a 10-bpm HR reduction, normalized to the physiological threshold were 1.78 ± 0.8 and 1.22 ± 0.1, in-vivo and ex-vivo, respectively. Overall, the viability of this ex-vivo model to study the acute cardiac effects of VNS was demonstrated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bettina Kronsteiner
- Center for Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Cardiovascular Research, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Max Haberbusch
- Center for Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Cardiovascular Research, Vienna, Austria
| | - Philipp Aigner
- Center for Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Cardiovascular Research, Vienna, Austria
| | - Anne-Margarethe Kramer
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Cardiovascular Research, Vienna, Austria
- Center for Biomedical Research, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Patrick M Pilz
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Cardiovascular Research, Vienna, Austria
- Center for Biomedical Research, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Bruno K Podesser
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Cardiovascular Research, Vienna, Austria
- Center for Biomedical Research, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Attila Kiss
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Cardiovascular Research, Vienna, Austria
- Center for Biomedical Research, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Francesco Moscato
- Center for Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Cardiovascular Research, Vienna, Austria
- Austrian Cluster for Tissue Engineering, Vienna, Austria
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12
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Villar-Martinez MD, Goadsby PJ. Non-invasive neuromodulation of the cervical vagus nerve in rare primary headaches. FRONTIERS IN PAIN RESEARCH 2023; 4:1062892. [PMID: 36994091 PMCID: PMC10040883 DOI: 10.3389/fpain.2023.1062892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Primary headache disorders can be remarkably disabling and the therapeutic options available are usually limited to medication with a high rate of adverse events. Here, we discuss the mechanism of action of non-invasive vagal nerve stimulation, as well as the findings of the main studies involving patients with primary headaches other than migraine or cluster headache, such as hemicrania continua, paroxysmal hemicrania, cough headache, or short-lasting neuralgiform headache attacks (SUNCT/SUNA), in a narrative analysis. A bibliographical search of low-prevalence disorders such as rare primary headaches retrieves a moderate number of studies, usually underpowered. Headache intensity, severity, and duration showed a clinically significant reduction in the majority, especially those involving indomethacin-responsive headaches. The lack of response of some patients with a similar diagnosis could be due to a different stimulation pattern, technique, or total dose. The use of non-invasive vagal nerve stimulation for the treatment of primary headache disorders represents an excellent option for patients with these debilitating and otherwise refractory conditions, or that cannot tolerate several lines of preventive medication, and should always be considered before contemplating invasive, non-reversible stimulation techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Dolores Villar-Martinez
- Headache Group, Wolfson CARD, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
- NIHR King's Clinical Research Facility, SLaM Biomedical Research Centre, King's College Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Peter J. Goadsby
- Headache Group, Wolfson CARD, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
- NIHR King's Clinical Research Facility, SLaM Biomedical Research Centre, King's College Hospital, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Neurology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Correspondence: Peter J. Goadsby
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LoPresti MA, Katlowitz KA, Sharma H, McGinnis JP, Weiner HL. Pediatric Vagus Nerve Stimulation: Case Series Outcomes and Future Directions. Neurosurgery 2023; 92:1043-1051. [PMID: 36700739 DOI: 10.1227/neu.0000000000002326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) is a neuromodulatory procedure most extensively studied as an adjunct to medically refractory epilepsy. Despite widespread adoption and decades of clinical experience, clinical predictors of response to VNS remain unclear. OBJECTIVE To evaluate a retrospective cohort of pediatric patients undergoing VNS at our institution to better understand who may benefit from VNS and identify factors which may predict response to VNS. METHODS We conducted a retrospective cohort study examining pediatric patients undergoing VNS over nearly a 20-year span at a single institution. Presurgical evaluation, including demographics, clinical history, and diagnostic electroencephalogram, and imaging findings were examined. Primary outcomes included VNS response. RESULTS Two hundred ninety-seven subjects were studied. The mean age at surgery was 10.1 (SD = 4.9, range = 0.8-25.3) years; length of follow-up was a mean of 4.6 years (SD = 3.5, median = 3.9 years, range 1 day-16.1 years). There was no association between demographic factors, epilepsy etiology, or genetic basis and VNS outcomes. There was an association between reduction in main seizure type with positive MRI finding. Of all MRI findings analyzed, brain atrophy was significantly associated with worse VNS outcomes, whereas dysplastic hippocampus and chronic periventricular leukomalacia findings were found to be associated with improved outcomes. Increased seizure semiology variability and seizure type were also associated with improved seizure outcomes. CONCLUSION Predicting response to VNS remains difficult, leading to incompletely realized benefits and suboptimal resource utilization. Specific MRI findings and increased seizure semiology variability and type can help guide clinical decision making and patient counseling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa A LoPresti
- Department of Neurosurgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA.,Division of Neurosurgery, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Kalman A Katlowitz
- Department of Neurosurgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA.,Division of Neurosurgery, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Himanshu Sharma
- Department of Neurosurgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA.,Division of Neurosurgery, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - John P McGinnis
- Department of Neurosurgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA.,Division of Neurosurgery, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Howard L Weiner
- Department of Neurosurgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA.,Division of Neurosurgery, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas, USA
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Verkerk AO, Doszpod IJ, Mengarelli I, Magyar T, Polyák A, Pászti B, Efimov IR, Wilders R, Koncz I. Acetylcholine Reduces L-Type Calcium Current without Major Changes in Repolarization of Canine and Human Purkinje and Ventricular Tissue. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10112987. [PMID: 36428555 PMCID: PMC9687254 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10112987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Revised: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Vagal nerve stimulation (VNS) holds a strong basis as a potentially effective treatment modality for chronic heart failure, which explains why a multicenter VNS study in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction is ongoing. However, more detailed information is required on the effect of acetylcholine (ACh) on repolarization in Purkinje and ventricular cardiac preparations to identify the advantages, risks, and underlying cellular mechanisms of VNS. Here, we studied the effect of ACh on the action potential (AP) of canine Purkinje fibers (PFs) and several human ventricular preparations. In addition, we characterized the effects of ACh on the L-type Ca2+ current (ICaL) and AP of human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CMs) and performed computer simulations to explain the observed effects. Using microelectrode recordings, we found a small but significant AP prolongation in canine PFs. In the human myocardium, ACh slightly prolonged the AP in the midmyocardium but resulted in minor AP shortening in subepicardial tissue. Perforated patch-clamp experiments on hiPSC-CMs demonstrated that 5 µM ACh caused an ≈15% decrease in ICaL density without changes in gating properties. Using dynamic clamp, we found that under blocked K+ currents, 5 µM ACh resulted in an ≈23% decrease in AP duration at 90% of repolarization in hiPSC-CMs. Computer simulations using the O'Hara-Rudy human ventricular cell model revealed that the overall effect of ACh on AP duration is a tight interplay between the ACh-induced reduction in ICaL and ACh-induced changes in K+ currents. In conclusion, ACh results in minor changes in AP repolarization and duration of canine PFs and human ventricular myocardium due to the concomitant inhibition of inward ICaL and outward K+ currents, which limits changes in net repolarizing current and thus prevents major changes in AP repolarization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arie O. Verkerk
- Department of Experimental Cardiology, Heart Center, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Medical Biology, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Illés J. Doszpod
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Albert Szent-Györgyi Medical School, University of Szeged, 6721 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Isabella Mengarelli
- Department of Experimental Cardiology, Heart Center, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Tibor Magyar
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Albert Szent-Györgyi Medical School, University of Szeged, 6721 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Alexandra Polyák
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Albert Szent-Györgyi Medical School, University of Szeged, 6721 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Bence Pászti
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Albert Szent-Györgyi Medical School, University of Szeged, 6721 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Igor R. Efimov
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The George Washington University, Washington, DC 20052, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
- Department of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Ronald Wilders
- Department of Medical Biology, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Correspondence: (R.W.); (I.K.)
| | - István Koncz
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Albert Szent-Györgyi Medical School, University of Szeged, 6721 Szeged, Hungary
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The George Washington University, Washington, DC 20052, USA
- Correspondence: (R.W.); (I.K.)
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Abstract
Autonomic imbalance with a sympathetic dominance is acknowledged to be a critical determinant of the pathophysiology of chronic heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), regardless of the etiology. Consequently, therapeutic interventions directly targeting the cardiac autonomic nervous system, generally referred to as neuromodulation strategies, have gained increasing interest and have been intensively studied at both the pre-clinical level and the clinical level. This review will focus on device-based neuromodulation in the setting of HFrEF. It will first provide some general principles about electrical neuromodulation and discuss specifically the complex issue of dose-response with this therapeutic approach. The paper will thereafter summarize the rationale, the pre-clinical and the clinical data, as well as the future prospectives of the three most studied form of device-based neuromodulation in HFrEF. These include cervical vagal nerve stimulation (cVNS), baroreflex activation therapy (BAT), and spinal cord stimulation (SCS). BAT has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for use in patients with HfrEF, while the other two approaches are still considered investigational; VNS is currently being investigated in a large phase III Study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronica Dusi
- Division of Cardiology, Cardiovascular and Thoracic Department, Città della Salute e della Scienza, University of Turin , Corso Bramante 88, 10126 Turin , Italy
| | - Filippo Angelini
- Division of Cardiology, Cardiovascular and Thoracic Department, Città della Salute e della Scienza, University of Turin , Corso Bramante 88, 10126 Turin , Italy
| | - Michael R Zile
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina and RHJ Department of Veteran's Affairs Medical Center , Charleston, SC , USA
| | - Gaetano Maria De Ferrari
- Division of Cardiology, Cardiovascular and Thoracic Department, Città della Salute e della Scienza, University of Turin , Corso Bramante 88, 10126 Turin , Italy
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Abstract
Autonomic imbalance is a common finding in heart failure (HF) with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). Addressing different targets within the autonomic nervous systems has been evaluated in patients with HF, including renal sympathetic denervation, vagal nerve stimulation, and baroreceptor activation therapy (BAT). Although all are pathophysiologically plausible and promising, only BAT shows sufficient evidence for implementation into clinical practice in randomized controlled trials. Baroreceptor activation therapy can be used in patients with symptomatic HFrEF despite optimal guideline-directed medication and device therapy. This article reviews the current and future use of neuromodulation in HF and provides an overview on current guideline recommendations and clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Duncker
- Department of Cardiology and Angiology, Hannover Medical School , Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, D-30625 Hannover , Germany
| | - Johann Bauersachs
- Department of Cardiology and Angiology, Hannover Medical School , Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, D-30625 Hannover , Germany
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Koncz I, Verkerk AO, Nicastro M, Wilders R, Árpádffy-Lovas T, Magyar T, Tóth N, Nagy N, Madrid M, Lin Z, Efimov IR. Acetylcholine Reduces IKr and Prolongs Action Potentials in Human Ventricular Cardiomyocytes. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10020244. [PMID: 35203454 PMCID: PMC8869322 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10020244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2021] [Revised: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Vagal nerve stimulation (VNS) has a meaningful basis as a potentially effective treatment for heart failure with reduced ejection fraction. There is an ongoing VNS randomized study, and four studies are completed. However, relatively little is known about the effect of acetylcholine (ACh) on repolarization in human ventricular cardiomyocytes, as well as the effect of ACh on the rapid component of the delayed rectifier K+ current (IKr). Here, we investigated the effect of ACh on the action potential parameters in human ventricular preparations and on IKr in human induced pluripotent stem-cell-derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CMs). Using standard microelectrode technique, we demonstrated that ACh (5 µM) significantly increased the action potential duration in human left ventricular myocardial slices. ACh (5 µM) also prolonged repolarization in a human Purkinje fiber and a papillary muscle. Optical mapping revealed that ACh increased the action potential duration in human left ventricular myocardial slices and that the effect was dose-dependent. Perforated patch clamp experiments demonstrated action potential prolongation and a significant decrease in IKr by ACh (5 µM) in hiPSC-CMs. Computer simulations of the electrical activity of a human ventricular cardiomyocyte showed an increase in action potential duration upon implementation of the experimentally observed ACh-induced changes in the fully activated conductance and steady-state activation of IKr. Our findings support the hypothesis that ACh can influence the repolarization in human ventricular cardiomyocytes by at least changes in IKr.
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Affiliation(s)
- István Koncz
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The George Washington University, Washington, DC 20052, USA; (I.K.); (M.M.); (Z.L.)
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Albert Szent-Györgyi Medical School, University of Szeged, 6721 Szeged, Hungary; (T.Á.-L.); (T.M.); (N.T.); (N.N.)
| | - Arie O. Verkerk
- Heart Center, Department of Experimental Cardiology, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (A.O.V.); (M.N.)
- Department of Medical Biology, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands;
| | - Michele Nicastro
- Heart Center, Department of Experimental Cardiology, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (A.O.V.); (M.N.)
| | - Ronald Wilders
- Department of Medical Biology, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands;
| | - Tamás Árpádffy-Lovas
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Albert Szent-Györgyi Medical School, University of Szeged, 6721 Szeged, Hungary; (T.Á.-L.); (T.M.); (N.T.); (N.N.)
| | - Tibor Magyar
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Albert Szent-Györgyi Medical School, University of Szeged, 6721 Szeged, Hungary; (T.Á.-L.); (T.M.); (N.T.); (N.N.)
| | - Noémi Tóth
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Albert Szent-Györgyi Medical School, University of Szeged, 6721 Szeged, Hungary; (T.Á.-L.); (T.M.); (N.T.); (N.N.)
| | - Norbert Nagy
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Albert Szent-Györgyi Medical School, University of Szeged, 6721 Szeged, Hungary; (T.Á.-L.); (T.M.); (N.T.); (N.N.)
- ELKH-SZTE Research Group of Cardiovascular Pharmacology, 6721 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Micah Madrid
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The George Washington University, Washington, DC 20052, USA; (I.K.); (M.M.); (Z.L.)
| | - Zexu Lin
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The George Washington University, Washington, DC 20052, USA; (I.K.); (M.M.); (Z.L.)
| | - Igor R. Efimov
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The George Washington University, Washington, DC 20052, USA; (I.K.); (M.M.); (Z.L.)
- Querrey Simpson Institute for Bioelectronics, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-202-294-8182
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