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Pena C, Moustafa A, Mohamed AR, Grubb B. Autoimmunity in Syndromes of Orthostatic Intolerance: An Updated Review. J Pers Med 2024; 14:435. [PMID: 38673062 PMCID: PMC11051445 DOI: 10.3390/jpm14040435] [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: 03/11/2024] [Revised: 04/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Orthostatic intolerance is a broad term that represents a spectrum of dysautonomic disorders, including postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) and orthostatic hypotension (OH), as manifestations of severe autonomic failure. While the etiology of orthostatic intolerance has not yet fully been uncovered, it has been associated with multiple underlying pathological processes, including peripheral neuropathy, altered renin-aldosterone levels, hypovolemia, and autoimmune processes. Studies have implicated adrenergic, cholinergic, and angiotensin II type I autoantibodies in the pathogenesis of orthostatic intolerance. Several case series have demonstrated that immunomodulation therapy resulted in favorable outcomes, improving autonomic symptoms in POTS and OH. In this review, we highlight the contemporary literature detailing the association of autoimmunity with POTS and OH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clarissa Pena
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH 43614, USA;
| | - Abdelmoniem Moustafa
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH 43614, USA; (A.M.); (B.G.)
| | - Abdel-Rhman Mohamed
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH 43614, USA;
| | - Blair Grubb
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH 43614, USA; (A.M.); (B.G.)
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Stavrakis S, Chakraborty P, Farhat K, Whyte S, Morris L, Abideen Asad ZU, Karfonta B, Anjum J, Matlock HG, Cai X, Yu X. Noninvasive Vagus Nerve Stimulation in Postural Tachycardia Syndrome: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JACC Clin Electrophysiol 2024; 10:346-355. [PMID: 37999672 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacep.2023.10.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Revised: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Low-level transcutaneous stimulation of the auricular branch of the vagus nerve at the tragus is antiarrhythmic and anti-inflammatory in animals and humans. Preliminary studies show that transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation (tVNS) is beneficial in animal models of postural tachycardia syndrome (POTS). OBJECTIVES In this study the authors conducted a sham-controlled, double-blind, randomized clinical trial to examine the effect of tVNS on POTS over a 2-month period relative to sham stimulation. METHODS tVNS (20 Hz, 1 mA below discomfort threshold) was delivered using an ear clip attached to either the tragus (active; n = 12) or the ear lobe (sham; n = 14) for 1 hour daily over a 2-month period. Postural tachycardia was assessed during the baseline and 2-month visit. Heart rate variability based on 5-minute electrocardiogram, serum cytokines, and antiautonomic autoantibodies were measured at the respective time points. RESULTS Mean age was 34 ± 11 years (100% female; 81% Caucasian). Adherence to daily stimulation was 83% in the active arm and 86% in the sham arm (P > 0.05). Postural tachycardia was significantly less in the active arm compared with the sham arm at 2 months (mean postural increase in heart rate 17.6 ± 9.9 beats/min vs 31.7 ± 14.4 beats/min; P = 0.01). Antiadrenergic autoantibodies and inflammatory cytokines were lower in the active arm compared with the sham arm at 2 months (P < 0.05). Heart rate variability was better in the active arm. No device-related side effects were observed. CONCLUSIONS Our results support the emerging paradigm of noninvasive neuromodulation to treat POTS. Mechanistically, this effect appears to be related to reduction of antiautonomic autoantibodies and inflammatory cytokines, and improvement in autonomic tone. Further studies are warranted. (Autoimmune Basis for Postural Tachycardia Syndrome; NCT05043051).
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Affiliation(s)
- Stavros Stavrakis
- University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
| | | | - Kassem Farhat
- University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
| | - Seabrook Whyte
- University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
| | - Lynsie Morris
- University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
| | | | - Brittany Karfonta
- University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
| | - Juvaria Anjum
- University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
| | - H Greg Matlock
- University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
| | - Xue Cai
- University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
| | - Xichun Yu
- University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
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Chakraborty P, Farhat K, Morris L, Whyte S, Yu X, Stavrakis S. Non-invasive Vagus Nerve Simulation in Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome. Arrhythm Electrophysiol Rev 2023; 12:e31. [PMID: 38173801 PMCID: PMC10762669 DOI: 10.15420/aer.2023.20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) is a chronic debilitating condition of orthostatic intolerance, predominantly affecting young females. Other than postural tachycardia, symptoms of POTS include a spectrum of non-cardiac, systemic and neuropsychiatric features. Despite the availability of widespread pharmacological and non-pharmacological therapeutic options, the management of POTS remains challenging. Exaggerated parasympathetic withdrawal and sympathetic overdrive during postural stress are principal mechanisms of postural tachycardia in POTS. Non-invasive, transcutaneous, vagus nerve stimulation (tVNS) is known to restore sympathovagal balance and is emerging as a novel therapeutic strategy in cardiovascular conditions including arrhythmias and heart failure. Furthermore, tVNS also exerts immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effects. This review explores the effects of tVNS on the pathophysiology of POTS and its potential as an alternative non-pharmacological option in this condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Praloy Chakraborty
- Heart Rhythm Institute, University of Oklahoma Health and Sciences Center Oklahoma City, OK, US
| | - Kassem Farhat
- Heart Rhythm Institute, University of Oklahoma Health and Sciences Center Oklahoma City, OK, US
| | - Lynsie Morris
- Heart Rhythm Institute, University of Oklahoma Health and Sciences Center Oklahoma City, OK, US
| | - Seabrook Whyte
- Heart Rhythm Institute, University of Oklahoma Health and Sciences Center Oklahoma City, OK, US
| | - Xichun Yu
- Heart Rhythm Institute, University of Oklahoma Health and Sciences Center Oklahoma City, OK, US
| | - Stavros Stavrakis
- Heart Rhythm Institute, University of Oklahoma Health and Sciences Center Oklahoma City, OK, US
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Blitshteyn S. Dysautonomia, Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders and Mast Cell Activation Syndrome as Migraine Comorbidities. Curr Neurol Neurosci Rep 2023; 23:769-776. [PMID: 37847487 DOI: 10.1007/s11910-023-01307-w] [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] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/18/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Dysautonomia refers to the dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system and encompasses a wide variety of autonomic symptoms and disorders. The most common autonomic disorders are postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), neurocardiogenic syncope (NCS), and orthostatic hypotension (OH), which may be encountered in clinical practice as part of a triad of dysautonomia, hypermobility spectrum disorders (HSD), and mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS). Migraine is one of the most common comorbidities of POTS, HSD, and MCAS; conversely, these conditions are also prevalent in patients with migraine, especially in those with multiple systemic symptoms, such as chronic dizziness, lightheadedness, orthostatic intolerance, joint pain, and allergic symptoms. Diagnostic criteria, pathophysiologic mechanisms, and therapeutic considerations in patients with migraine and comorbid dysautonomia, HSD, and MCAS are reviewed. RECENT FINDINGS Numerous studies indicate a significant overlap and shared pathophysiology in migraine, dysautonomia, HSD, and MCAS. In clinical setting, dysautonomia, HSD, and MCAS may present a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge in patients with migraine and require a high index of suspicion on the part of the neurologist. Diagnosis and treatment of these complex disorders in patients with migraine is essential to comprehensive patient-centric care, reduced symptom burden, and improved functional impairment secondary to both migraine and comorbidities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Svetlana Blitshteyn
- Department of Neurology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, 955 Main Street, Buffalo, NY, 14203, USA.
- Dysautonomia Clinic, 300 International Drive, Suite 100, Williamsville, NY, 14221, USA.
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Bazoukis G, Stavrakis S, Armoundas AA. Vagus Nerve Stimulation and Inflammation in Cardiovascular Disease: A State-of-the-Art Review. J Am Heart Assoc 2023; 12:e030539. [PMID: 37721168 PMCID: PMC10727239 DOI: 10.1161/jaha.123.030539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/19/2023]
Abstract
Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) has been found to exert anti-inflammatory effects in different clinical settings and has been associated with improvement of clinical outcomes. However, evidence on the mechanistic link between the potential association of inflammatory status with clinical outcomes following VNS is scarce. This review aims to summarize the existing knowledge linking VNS with inflammation and its potential link with major outcomes in cardiovascular diseases, in both preclinical and clinical studies. Existing data show that in the setting of myocardial ischemia and reperfusion, VNS seems to reduce inflammation resulting in reduced infarct size and reduced incidence of ventricular arrhythmias during reperfusion. Furthermore, VNS has a protective role in vascular function following myocardial ischemia and reperfusion. Atrial fibrillation burden has also been reduced by VNS, whereas suppression of inflammation may be a potential mechanism for this effect. In the setting of heart failure, VNS was found to improve systolic function and reverse cardiac remodeling. In summary, existing experimental data show a reduction in inflammatory markers by VNS, which may cause improved clinical outcomes in cardiovascular diseases. However, more data are needed to evaluate the association between the inflammatory status with the clinical outcomes following VNS.
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Affiliation(s)
- George Bazoukis
- Department of CardiologyLarnaca General HospitalLarnacaCyprus
- Department of Basic and Clinical SciencesUniversity of Nicosia Medical SchoolNicosiaCyprus
| | - Stavros Stavrakis
- Heart Rhythm InstituteUniversity of Oklahoma Health Sciences CenterOklahoma CityOKUSA
| | - Antonis A. Armoundas
- Cardiovascular Research CenterMassachusetts General HospitalBostonMAUSA
- Broad Institute, Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyCambridgeMAUSA
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Tabacof L, Nicolau E, Rivera A, Putrino D. Post-COVID Conditions and Burden of Disease. Phys Med Rehabil Clin N Am 2023; 34:499-511. [PMID: 37419527 DOI: 10.1016/j.pmr.2023.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/09/2023]
Abstract
Post-COVID condition (PCC), also known as long COVID, is a multi-systemic illness estimated to affect 10% to 20% of those infected, regardless of age, baseline health status, or initial symptom severity. PCC has affected millions of lives, with long-lasting debilitating effects, but unfortunately it remains an underrecognized and therefore poorly documented condition. Defining and disseminating the burden of PCC is essential for developing effective public health strategies to address this issue in the long term.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Tabacof
- Department of Rehabilitation and Human Performance, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 5 East 98th Street SB-18, 10029, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Eric Nicolau
- West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine, 5718 Merrywing Circle, Austin, TX 78730, USA
| | - Andrew Rivera
- Tulane University School of Medicine, 1430 Tulane Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70130, USA
| | - David Putrino
- Department of Rehabilitation and Human Performance, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 5 East 98th Street SB-18, 10029, New York, NY, USA
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Low-level tragus stimulation improves autoantibody-induced hyperadrenergic postural tachycardia syndrome in rabbits. Heart Rhythm O2 2023; 4:127-133. [PMID: 36873318 PMCID: PMC9975011 DOI: 10.1016/j.hroo.2022.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Recent studies have demonstrated that antiadrenergic autoantibodies are involved in the pathophysiology of postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS). Objective The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that transcutaneous low-level tragus stimulation (LLTS) ameliorates autoantibody-induced autonomic dysfunction and inflammation in a rabbit model of autoimmune POTS. Methods Six New Zealand white rabbits were co-immunized with peptides from the α1-adrenergic and β1-adrenergic receptors to produce sympathomimetic antibodies. The tilt test was performed on conscious rabbits before immunization, 6 weeks after immunization, and 10 weeks after immunization with 4-week daily LLTS treatment. Each rabbit served as its own control. Results An enhanced postural heart rate increase in the absence of significant change in blood pressure was observed in immunized rabbits, confirming our previous report. Power spectral analysis of heart rate variability during the tilt test showed a predominance of sympathetic over parasympathetic activity in immunized rabbits as reflected by markedly increased low-frequency power, decreased high-frequency power, and increased low-to-high-frequency ratio. Serum inflammatory cytokines were also significantly increased in immunized rabbits. LLTS suppressed the postural tachycardia, improved the sympathovagal balance with increased acetylcholine secretion, and attenuated the inflammatory cytokine expression. Antibody production and activity were confirmed with in vitro assays, and no antibody suppression by LLTS was found in this short-term study. Conclusion LLTS improves cardiac autonomic imbalance and inflammation in a rabbit model of autoantibody-induced hyperadrenergic POTS, suggesting that LLTS may be used as a novel neuromodulation therapy for POTS.
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Bellocchi C, Carandina A, Montinaro B, Targetti E, Furlan L, Rodrigues GD, Tobaldini E, Montano N. The Interplay between Autonomic Nervous System and Inflammation across Systemic Autoimmune Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23052449. [PMID: 35269591 PMCID: PMC8910153 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23052449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Revised: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 02/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The autonomic nervous system (ANS) and the immune system are deeply interrelated. The ANS regulates both innate and adaptive immunity through the sympathetic and parasympathetic branches, and an imbalance in this system can determine an altered inflammatory response as typically observed in chronic conditions such as systemic autoimmune diseases. Rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and systemic sclerosis all show a dysfunction of the ANS that is mutually related to the increase in inflammation and cardiovascular risk. Moreover, an interaction between ANS and the gut microbiota has direct effects on inflammation homeostasis. Recently vagal stimulation techniques have emerged as an unprecedented possibility to reduce ANS dysfunction, especially in chronic diseases characterized by pain and a decreased quality of life as well as in chronic inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Bellocchi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy; (A.C.); (B.M.); (E.T.); (L.F.); (E.T.)
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy;
- Correspondence: (C.B.); (N.M.)
| | - Angelica Carandina
- Department of Internal Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy; (A.C.); (B.M.); (E.T.); (L.F.); (E.T.)
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy;
| | - Beatrice Montinaro
- Department of Internal Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy; (A.C.); (B.M.); (E.T.); (L.F.); (E.T.)
| | - Elena Targetti
- Department of Internal Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy; (A.C.); (B.M.); (E.T.); (L.F.); (E.T.)
| | - Ludovico Furlan
- Department of Internal Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy; (A.C.); (B.M.); (E.T.); (L.F.); (E.T.)
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy;
| | - Gabriel Dias Rodrigues
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy;
- Laboratory of Experimental and Applied Exercise Physiology, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Fluminense Federal University, Niterói 24210-130, Brazil
| | - Eleonora Tobaldini
- Department of Internal Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy; (A.C.); (B.M.); (E.T.); (L.F.); (E.T.)
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy;
| | - Nicola Montano
- Department of Internal Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy; (A.C.); (B.M.); (E.T.); (L.F.); (E.T.)
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy;
- Correspondence: (C.B.); (N.M.)
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