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Guerriero G, Liljedahl SI, Carlsen HK, López Muñoz M, Daros AR, Ruocco AC, Steingrimsson S. Transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation to acutely reduce emotional vulnerability and improve emotional regulation in borderline personality disorder (tVNS-BPD): study protocol for a randomized, single-blind, sham-controlled trial. Trials 2024; 25:397. [PMID: 38898522 PMCID: PMC11186228 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-024-08230-6] [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: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is considered a disorder of emotion regulation resulting from the expression of a biologically determined emotional vulnerability (that is, heightened sensitivity to emotion, increased emotional intensity/reactivity, and a slow return to emotional baseline) combined with exposure to invalidating environments. Vagal tone has been associated with activity in cortical regions involved in emotion regulation and a lower resting state of vagal tone has been observed in BPD patients relative to healthy controls. Non-invasive transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) has been shown to reduce temper outbursts in adults with Prader-Willi Syndrome, to enhance recognition of emotions in healthy students, and to improve depressive and anxiety symptoms. Furthermore, a single session of taVNS has been shown to acutely alter the recognition of facial expressions of negative valence in adolescents with MDD and increase emotion recognition in controls. However, the effect of taVNS on emotional vulnerability and regulation in individuals diagnosed with BPD has not been investigated. Our aims are to determine if taVNS is effective in acutely reducing emotional vulnerability and improve emotional regulation in BPD patients. METHODS Forty-two patients will be randomized to a single session of taVNS or sham-taVNS while going through an affect induction procedure. It will consist of the presentation of one neutral and three negative affect-evoking 4-min-long videos in sequence, each of which is followed by a 4-min post-induction period during which participants will rate the quality and intensity of their current self-reported emotions (post-induction ratings) and the perceived effectiveness in managing their emotions during the video presentation. The rating of the current self-reported emotions will be repeated after every post-induction period (recovery ratings). Mixed models with individuals as random effect will be used to investigate the ratings at each stage of the study, taking into account the repeated measures of the same individuals at baseline, pre-induction, post-induction, and recovery. DISCUSSION The study has potential to yield new insights into the role of vagal tone in emotion dysregulation in BPD and offer preliminary data on the effectiveness of taVNS as a possible non-invasive brain stimulation to treat a core symptom of BPD. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05892900. Retrospectively registered on Jun 07, 2023.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Guerriero
- Section of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, Gothenburg University, Gothenburg, Sweden.
| | - Sophie I Liljedahl
- Section of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, Gothenburg University, Gothenburg, Sweden
- National Specialized Medical Care Unit for Severe Self-Harm Behavior, Department of Psychiatry for Affective Disorders, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Region Västra Götaland, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Hanne K Carlsen
- Section of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, Gothenburg University, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Centre of Registers, Region Västra Götaland, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Marta López Muñoz
- Department of Psychiatry for Affective Disorders, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Region Västra Götaland, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | | | - Anthony C Ruocco
- Department of Psychological Clinical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Steinn Steingrimsson
- Section of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, Gothenburg University, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Psychiatry for Affective Disorders, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Region Västra Götaland, Gothenburg, Sweden
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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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Tan C, Qiao M, Ma Y, Luo Y, Fang J, Yang Y. The efficacy and safety of transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation in the treatment of depressive disorder: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. J Affect Disord 2023:S0165-0327(23)00685-7. [PMID: 37230264 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2023.05.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Revised: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) is used for treating depression but the efficacy and safety have not been well assessed. This study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy and safety of taVNS in depression. METHODS The retrieval databases included English databases of PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, the Cochrane Library and PsycINFO, and Chinese databases of CNKI, Wanfang, VIP and Sino Med, and the retrieval period was from their inception to November 10, 2022. The clinical trial registers (ClinicalTrials.gov and Chinese Clinical Trial Registry) were also searched. Standardized mean difference and the risk ratio were used as the effect indicator and the effect size was represented by the 95 % confidence interval. Revised Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomized trials and the Grades of Recommendation, Assessment, Development and Evaluation system were used to assess the risk of bias and quality of evidence respectively. RESULTS Totally, 12 studies of 838 participants were included. taVNS could significantly improve depression and reduce Hamilton Depression Scale scores. Low to very low evidence showed that taVNS had higher response rates than sham-taVMS and comparable response rates compared to antidepressants (ATD) and that taVNS combined with ATD had comparable efficacy to ATD with fewer side effects. LIMITATIONS The number of studies in subgroups was small and the evidence quality was low to very low. CONCLUSIONS taVNS is an effective and safe method for alleviating depression scores and had a comparable response rate to ATD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chaoren Tan
- Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Science, 100700 Beijing, China
| | - Meng Qiao
- Institute of Basic Research in Clinical Medicine, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, 100700 Beijing, China
| | - Yue Ma
- Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, 100053 Beijing, China
| | - Yi Luo
- Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, 100053 Beijing, China
| | - Jiliang Fang
- Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, 100053 Beijing, China
| | - Yongsheng Yang
- Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Science, 100700 Beijing, China.
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Wang YB, Song NN, Ding YQ, Zhang L. Neural Plasticity and Depression Treatment. IBRO Neurosci Rep 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ibneur.2022.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/08/2022] Open
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Vieira A, Moreira A, Machado JP, Robinson N, Hu XY. Is auriculotherapy effective and safe for the treatment of anxiety disorders? – A systematic review and meta-analysis. Eur J Integr Med 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.eujim.2022.102157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
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Wang Y, Li L, Li S, Fang J, Zhang J, Wang J, Zhang Z, Wang Y, He J, Zhang Y, Rong P. Toward Diverse or Standardized: A Systematic Review Identifying Transcutaneous Stimulation of Auricular Branch of the Vagus Nerve in Nomenclature. Neuromodulation 2022; 25:366-379. [PMID: 35396069 DOI: 10.1111/ner.13346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2020] [Revised: 10/19/2020] [Accepted: 11/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES After 20 years of development, there is confusion in the nomenclature of transcutaneous stimulation of the auricular branch of the vagus nerve (ABVN). We performed a systematic review of transcutaneous stimulation of ABVN in nomenclature. MATERIALS AND METHODS A systematic search of the literature was carried out, using the bibliographic search engine PubMed. The search covered articles published up until June 11, 2020. We recorded the full nomenclature and abbreviated nomenclature same or similar to transcutaneous stimulation of ABVN in the selected eligible studies, as well as the time and author information of this nomenclature. RESULTS From 261 studies, 67 full nomenclatures and 27 abbreviated nomenclatures were finally screened out, transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation and tVNS are the most common nomenclature, accounting for 38.38% and 42.06%, respectively. In a total of 97 combinations of full nomenclatures and abbreviations, the most commonly used nomenclature for the combination of transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation and tVNS, accounting for 30.28%. Interestingly, the combination of full nomenclatures and abbreviations is not always a one-to-one relationship, there are ten abbreviated nomenclatures corresponding to transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation, and five full nomenclatures corresponding to tVNS. In addition, based on the analysis of the usage habits of nomenclature in 21 teams, it is found that only three teams have fixed habits, while other different teams or the same team do not always use the same nomenclature in their paper. CONCLUSIONS The phenomenon of confusion in the nomenclature of transcutaneous stimulation of ABVN is obvious and shows a trend of diversity. The nomenclature of transcutaneous stimulation of ABVN needs to become more standardized in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Wang
- Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Liang Li
- Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Shaoyuan Li
- Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jiliang Fang
- Department of Radiology, Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jinling Zhang
- Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Junying Wang
- Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zixuan Zhang
- Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yifei Wang
- Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jiakai He
- Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yue Zhang
- Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Peijing Rong
- Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China.
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Khoodoruth MAS, Estudillo-Guerra MA, Pacheco-Barrios K, Nyundo A, Chapa-Koloffon G, Ouanes S. Glutamatergic System in Depression and Its Role in Neuromodulatory Techniques Optimization. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:886918. [PMID: 35492692 PMCID: PMC9047946 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.886918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Depressive disorders are among the most common psychiatric conditions and contribute to significant morbidity. Even though the use of antidepressants revolutionized the management of depression and had a tremendous positive impact on the patient's outcome, a significant proportion of patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) show no or partial or response even with adequate treatment. Given the limitations of the prevailing monoamine hypothesis-based pharmacotherapy, glutamate and glutamatergic related pathways may offer an alternative and a complementary option for designing novel intervention strategies. Over the past few decades, there has been a growing interest in understanding the neurobiological underpinnings of glutamatergic dysfunctions in the pathogenesis of depressive disorders and the development of new pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment options. There is a growing body of evidence for the efficacy of neuromodulation techniques, including transcranial magnetic stimulation, transcutaneous direct current stimulation, transcranial alternating current stimulation, and photo-biomodulation on improving connectivity and neuroplasticity associated with depression. This review attempts to revisit the role of glutamatergic neurotransmission in the etiopathogenesis of depressive disorders and review the current neuroimaging, neurophysiological and clinical evidence of these neuromodulation techniques in the pathophysiology and treatment of depression.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Maria Anayali Estudillo-Guerra
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Harvard Medical School, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Kevin Pacheco-Barrios
- Neuromodulation Center and Center for Clinical Research Learning, Harvard Medical School, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital and Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States.,Universidad San Ignacio de Loyola, Vicerrectorado de Investigación, Unidad de Investigación para la Generación y Síntesis de Evidencias en Salud, Lima, Peru
| | - Azan Nyundo
- Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, School of Medicine and Dental Health, The University of Dodoma, Dodoma, Tanzania
| | | | - Sami Ouanes
- Department of Psychiatry, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
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Vieira A, Moreira A, Machado JP, Robinson N, Hu XY. Is auriculotherapy effective and safe for the treatment of anxiety disorders? – Protocol for a systematic review. Eur J Integr Med 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.eujim.2021.101734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Sun J, Ma Y, Du Z, Wang Z, Guo C, Luo Y, Chen L, Gao D, Li X, Xu K, Hong Y, Xu F, Yu X, Xiao X, Fang J, Hou X. Immediate Modulation of Transcutaneous Auricular Vagus Nerve Stimulation in Patients With Treatment-Resistant Depression: A Resting-State Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging Study. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:923783. [PMID: 35845466 PMCID: PMC9284008 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.923783] [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: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous studies found that transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) was clinically effective in treating a case of treatment-resistant depression (TRD). However, the brain neural mechanisms underlying the immediate effects of taVNS treatment for TRD have not been elucidated. MATERIALS AND METHODS Differences in the amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations (ALFF) between TRD and healthy control (HC) groups were observed. The TRD group was treated with taVNS for 30 min, and changes in ALFF in the TRD group before and after immediate treatment were observed. The ALFF brain regions altered by taVNS induction were used as regions of interest to analyze whole-brain functional connectivity (FC) changes in the TRD group. RESULTS A total of 44 TRD patients and 44 HCs completed the study and were included in the data analysis. Compared with the HC group, the TRD group had increased ALFF in the left orbital area of the middle frontal gyrus. After taVNS treatment, ALFF in the left orbital area of the middle frontal gyrus and right middle frontal gyrus decreased in the TRD group, while ALFF in the right orbital area of the superior frontal gyrus increased. The FC in the left orbital area of the middle frontal gyrus with left middle frontal gyrus and the right inferior occipital gyrus was significantly increased. CONCLUSION Transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation demonstrates immediate modulation of functional activity in the emotional network, cognitive control network, and visual processing cortex, and may be a potential brain imaging biomarker for the treatment of TRD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jifei Sun
- Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China.,Graduate School of China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yue Ma
- Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China.,Graduate School of China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zhongming Du
- Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Zhi Wang
- Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China.,Graduate School of China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Chunlei Guo
- Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China.,Graduate School of China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yi Luo
- Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China.,Graduate School of China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Limei Chen
- Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China.,Graduate School of China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Deqiang Gao
- Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaojiao Li
- Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Ke Xu
- Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yang Hong
- Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Fengquan Xu
- Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xue Yu
- Beijing First Hospital of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Xue Xiao
- Beijing First Hospital of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Jiliang Fang
- Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaobing Hou
- Beijing First Hospital of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Beijing, China
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Respiratory-gated auricular vagal afferent nerve stimulation (RAVANS) modulates brain response to stress in major depression. J Psychiatr Res 2021; 142:188-197. [PMID: 34365067 PMCID: PMC8429271 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2021.07.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2021] [Revised: 07/27/2021] [Accepted: 07/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Negative stress significantly impacts major depressive disorder (MDD), given the shared brain circuitry between the stress response and mood. Thus, interventions that target this circuitry will have an important impact on MDD. The aim of this study was to evaluate the acute effects of a novel respiratory-gated auricular vagal afferent nerve stimulation (RAVANS) technique in the modulation of brain activity and connectivity in women with MDD in response to negative stressful stimuli. METHODS Twenty premenopausal women with recurrent MDD in an active episode were included in a cross-over experimental study that included two functional MRI visits within one week, randomized to receive exhalatory- (e-RAVANS) or inhalatory-gated (i-RAVANS) at each visit. Subjects were exposed to a visual stress challenge that preceded and followed RAVANS. A Factorial analysis was used to evaluate the effects of RAVANS on brain activity and connectivity and changes in depressive and anxiety symptomatology post-stress. RESULTS Compared with i-RAVANS, e-RAVANS was significantly associated with increased activation of subgenual anterior cingulate, orbitofrontal and ventromedial prefrontal cortices and increased connectivity between hypothalamus and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, and from nucleus tractus solitarii to locus coeruleus and ventromedial prefrontal cortex. Changes in brain activity and connectivity after e-RAVANS were significantly associated with a reduction in depressive and anxiety symptoms. CONCLUSIONS Our study suggests exhalatory-gated RAVANS effectively modulates brain circuitries regulating response to negative stress and is associated with significant acute reduction of depressive and anxiety symptomatology in women with recurrent MDD. Findings suggest a potential non-pharmacologic intervention for acute relief of depressive symptomatology in MDD.
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Um YH, Wang SM, Kang DW, Kim NY, Lim HK. Impact of transdermal trigeminal electrical neuromodulation on subjective and objective sleep parameters in patients with insomnia: a pilot study. Sleep Breath 2021; 26:865-870. [PMID: 34383274 DOI: 10.1007/s11325-021-02459-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2021] [Revised: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 07/28/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Transcutaneous trigeminal electrical neuromodulation (TTEN) is a new treatment modality that has a potential to improve sleep through the suppression of noradrenergic activity. This study aimed to explore the changes of subjective and objective sleep parameters after 4-weeks of daily session of transcutaneous trigeminal electrical neuromodulation in a group of patients with insomnia. METHODS In a group of patients with insomnia, TTEN targeting the ophthalmic division of the trigeminal nerve was utilized to test the effects of transcutaneous trigeminal electrical neuromodulation. Patients went through daily 20-min sessions of TTEN for 4 weeks. Polysomnography parameters, Pittsburgh sleep quality index, insomnia severity index, and Epworth sleepiness scale were obtained pre- and post-intervention. Changes in these parameters were compared and analyzed. RESULTS Among 13 patients with insomnia there was a statistically significant reduction in Pittsburgh sleep quality index, insomnia severity index, and Epworth sleepiness scale scores after 4-week daily sessions of TTEN. There were no differences in polysomnography parameters pre- and post-intervention. CONCLUSION This is the first study to demonstrate the effects of TTEN in a group of insomnia patients. TTEN may improve subjective parameters in patients with insomnia. Further replication studies are needed to support this finding. TRIAL REGISTRATION The data presented in the study are from a study exploring the effect of TTEN on insomnia ( www.clinicaltrials.gov , registration number: NCT04838067, date of registration: April 8, 2021, "retrospectively registered").
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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, Republic of Korea
| | - Sheng-Min Wang
- Department of Psychiatry, Yeouido St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong Woo Kang
- Department of Psychiatry, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Nak-Young Kim
- Department of Psychiatry, Keyo Hospital, Keyo Medical Foundation, Uiwang, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun Kook Lim
- Department of Psychiatry, Yeouido St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
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Xiao X, Hou X, Zhang Z, Li Y, Yu X, Wang Y, Tian J, Xu K. Efficacy and brain mechanism of transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation for adolescents with mild to moderate depression: Study protocol for a randomized controlled trial. Pediatr Investig 2020; 4:109-117. [PMID: 32851354 PMCID: PMC7331436 DOI: 10.1002/ped4.12198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2020] [Accepted: 06/04/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Depression is a common mental illness in childhood and adolescence, with an incidence of 4%-5%; it can lead to impairments in learning and social functioning. Transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) is a commonly used method of auricular acupuncture point stimulation, which is regarded as an effective treatment for adults with depression. The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy and mechanism of taVNS for adolescents with mild to moderate depression. METHODS This randomized controlled clinical trial will include 120 patients aged 12-16 years, all of whom are diagnosed with mild to moderate depression. Patients will be randomly assigned to a taVNS group and a drug control group (sertraline hydrochloride) at a ratio of 1:1. Patients will be evaluated using the 17-item Hamilton Depression Scale, Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale, Self-Rating Depression Scale, Self-Rating Anxiety Scale, and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index scores at baseline, as well as at the 2nd, 4th, 6th, 8th, and 12th weeks. To investigate the underlying neural mechanisms of taVNS treatment from the perspective of the default mode network, multimodal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI; i.e., structural MRI [sMRI], resting state MRI [rsMRI], and pseudocontinuous arterial spin-labeled [pcASL] MRI) will be used to compare cerebral images among groups. MRI data will also be collected from 40 healthy volunteers to assess whether the participants exhibit normal development of structural and functional components. DISCUSSION Depression is the most common mental disorder in adolescence. Drug treatment can improve depression symptoms; however, the side effects of drug treatments are often severe. This study proposes a simple physiotherapy that aims to treat adolescents with mild to moderate depression. The mechanism of taVNS in the treatment of depression will also be investigated. The results of this study will provide evidence to guide the application of taVNS in adolescents with depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue Xiao
- Department of PsychiatryBeijing First Hospital of Integrated Chinese and Western MedicineBeijingChina
| | - Xiaobing Hou
- Department of Acupuncture and MoxibustionBeijing First Hospital of Integrated Chinese and Western MedicineBeijingChina
| | - Zhangjing Zhang
- Department of Chinese MedicineUniversity of Hong Kong Shenzhen Hospital (HKU‐SZH)ShenzhenGuangdongChina
| | - Ying Li
- Department of PsychiatryBeijing Children’s HospitalCapital Medical UniversityNational Center for Children’s HealthBeijingChina
| | - Xue Yu
- Department of PsychiatryBeijing First Hospital of Integrated Chinese and Western MedicineBeijingChina
| | - Yanhui Wang
- Department of CardiologyBeijing First Hospital of Integrated Chinese and Western MedicineBeijingChina
| | - Jing Tian
- Department of PsychiatryBeijing First Hospital of Integrated Chinese and Western MedicineBeijingChina
| | - Ke Xu
- Department of Medical imagingGuang’anmen HospitalChina Academy of Chinese Medical SciencesBeijingChina
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Zhao B, Bi Y, Li L, Zhang J, Hong Y, Zhang L, He J, Fang J, Rong P. The Instant Spontaneous Neuronal Activity Modulation of Transcutaneous Auricular Vagus Nerve Stimulation on Patients With Primary Insomnia. Front Neurosci 2020; 14:205. [PMID: 32231517 PMCID: PMC7082749 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2020.00205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2019] [Accepted: 02/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Primary insomnia (PI) is associated with increased spontaneous neuronal activity. Transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) modulates brain function, and it is an effective treatment for primary insomnia. However, whether taVNS alleviates insomnia through modulating spontaneous neuronal activity is not fully clarified. This study aims to investigate the instant effect of taVNS in modulating spontaneous neuronal activity in PI patients using resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI). Twenty-two PI subjects underwent rs-fMRI scanning prior and immediately after 30 min treatment of taVNS controlled by twenty healthy adults. Amplitude of low frequency fluctuations (ALFF) analysis was employed to assess the difference in spontaneous neuronal activity between PI patients and healthy adults, as well as between pre-treatment and post-treatment of taVNS. The taVNS-induced altered ALFF brain areas were then selected as regions of interest to perform the resting state functional connectivity (RSFC) analysis in PI patients. The right precuneus showed significantly increased ALFF in PI patients. After immediate taVNS treatment, the ALFF was significantly decreased in the right precuneus and increased in the left middle occipital gyrus. The RSFC in right precuneus with right angular, right superior frontal gyrus, and right middle frontal gyrus was significantly decreased. This study provides insights into the instant brain effects of taVNS on PI patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Zhao
- Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yanzhi Bi
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Beijing, China.,Department of Psychology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Liang Li
- Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jinling Zhang
- Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yang Hong
- Department of Radiology, Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- Department of Radiology, Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jiakai He
- Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jiliang Fang
- Department of Radiology, Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Peijing Rong
- Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
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Liu CH, Yang MH, Zhang GZ, Wang XX, Li B, Li M, Woelfer M, Walter M, Wang L. Neural networks and the anti-inflammatory effect of transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation in depression. J Neuroinflammation 2020; 17:54. [PMID: 32050990 PMCID: PMC7017619 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-020-01732-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2019] [Accepted: 01/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) is a relatively non-invasive alternative treatment for patients suffering from major depressive disorder (MDD). It has been postulated that acupuncture may achieve its treatment effects on MDD through suppression of vagal nerve inflammatory responses. Our previous research established that taVNS significantly increases amygdala–dorsolateral prefrontal cortex connectivity, which is associated with a reduction in depression severity. However, the relationship between taVNS and the central/peripheral functional state of the immune system, as well as changes in brain neural circuits, have not as yet been elucidated. In the present paper, we outline the anatomic foundation of taVNS and emphasize that it significantly modulates the activity and connectivity of a wide range of neural networks, including the default mode network, executive network, and networks involved in emotional and reward circuits. In addition, we present the inflammatory mechanism of MDD and describe how taVNS inhibits central and peripheral inflammation, which is possibly related to the effectiveness of taVNS in reducing depression severity. Our review suggests a link between the suppression of inflammation and changes in brain regions/circuits post taVNS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun-Hong Liu
- Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100010, China. .,Beijing Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100010, China.
| | - Ming-Hao Yang
- Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100010, China
| | - Guang-Zhong Zhang
- Dermatological Department, Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100010, China
| | - Xiao-Xu Wang
- Dermatological Department, Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100010, China
| | - Bin Li
- Acupuncture and Moxibustion Department, Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing Key Laboratory of Acupuncture Neuromodulation, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100010, China
| | - Meng Li
- Clinical Affective Neuroimaging Laboratory (CANLAB), Otto-von-Guericke-University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, 39120, Germany.,Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Jena University Hospital, Jena, 07743, Germany
| | - Marie Woelfer
- Clinical Affective Neuroimaging Laboratory (CANLAB), Otto-von-Guericke-University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, 39120, Germany.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, NJ 07102, USA
| | - Martin Walter
- Clinical Affective Neuroimaging Laboratory (CANLAB), Otto-von-Guericke-University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, 39120, Germany.,Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Jena University Hospital, Jena, 07743, Germany.,Department of Behavioral Neurology, Leibniz Institute for Neurobiology, Magdeburg, 39118, Germany.,Center of Behavioral Brain Sciences, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, 39118, Germany
| | - Lihong Wang
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT 06030, USA.
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15
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Cullen KR, Padilla LE, Papke VN, Klimes-Dougan B. New Somatic Treatments for Child and Adolescent Depression. CURRENT TREATMENT OPTIONS IN PSYCHIATRY 2019; 6:380-400. [PMID: 33312841 PMCID: PMC7732147 DOI: 10.1007/s40501-019-00194-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Depression is a common clinical problem in youth, with prevalence increasing significantly during the adolescent period. Although several evidence-based treatments are currently available for treating depression in adults, only a subset of these have been investigated in a pediatric sample. Unfortunately, even well-established, first-line interventions do not lead to sufficient treatment response for many children and adolescents suffering from depression. However, recent research has been conducted in the area of somatic treatments for youth with depression. This review focuses on current (past three years, including published results and ongoing studies) research on somatic treatments for adolescent depression in the following categories: psychopharmacology, nutraceuticals, interventions implicating motor and sensory systems, and neuromodulation. FINDINGS Results from recent randomized, controlled trials testing psychopharmacological options suggest that while antidepressants that have been recently approved for adult patients are safe and tolerable in children and adolescents, none have yet outperformed performed placebo in efficacy. Nutraceuticals, motor-sensory interventions, and neuromodulation techniques, present safe and promising results, but few have been tested against controls to support effectiveness over current treatment options. SUMMARY This review of research on pediatric depression treatment from the past 3 years highlights some disappointments (negative results following some of the well-designed clinical trials) and gaps (preliminary studies in need of follow up with robust methodology) but also some promising directions in research of the efficacyof these treatments in a pediatric sample. We offer suggestions for future research including consideration of treatment timing, sequencing, the role of symptom severity in directing treatment selection, the potential value of combined treatments, consideration of how to best account for high placebo response rates, and the incorporation of neurobiological assessments to examine mechanisms and biomarker predictors of treatment response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn R Cullen
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Minnesota, F282/2A West Building 2450, Riverside Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55454, USA
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