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Saramet EE, Pomȋrleanu C, Maştaleru A, Oancea A, Cojocaru DC, Russu M, Negru RD, Ancuța C. Autonomic Dysfunction and Cardiovascular Risk in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis: Can Heart Rate Variability Analysis Contribute to a Better Evaluation of the Cardiovascular Profile of a Patient? J Clin Med 2023; 12:7736. [PMID: 38137805 PMCID: PMC10743610 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12247736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2023] [Revised: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disease of autoimmune etiology. Increased scientific evidence suggests that immune-mediated inflammatory dis-eases are associated with autonomic nervous system (ANS) dysfunction. Studies proved that autonomic imbalance is correlated with RA evolution and may explain augmented cardiovascular pathology and mortality not attributable to classical risk factors. (2) Methods: 75 patients (25 males, 50 females) with RA were submitted to standard ECG recording and 24 h Holter monitoring. Twenty-five healthy patients were used as controls. Both time (SDNN, SDANN, SDANN Index, RRmed, rMSSD, and pNN50) and frequency domain (TP, VLF, HF, LF and LF/HF) heart rate variability (HRV) parameters were obtained. Parameters were compared to controls, and correlations with the QTc-interval and inflammatory status expressed through the C-reactive protein (CRP) were evaluated. (3) Results: In patients with a CRP > 5 mg/L, HRV parameters were lower compared to controls and to patients with a CRP ≤ 5 mg/L. All HRV parameters generated by Holter monitoring are negatively correlated with CRP levels and QTc values. The number of premature ventricular contractions (PVC) recorded is correlated with SDNN, SDANN, and LF/HF values. (4) Conclusions: Our study supports recent data suggesting that in RA there is an autonomic system dysfunction strongly connected with the inflammatory status of the patient. The autonomic dysfunction can contribute to the increased risk of cardiovascular death observed in patients with RA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Esmeralda Saramet
- “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 16 Universitatii Str., 700115 Iași, Romania; (E.E.S.); (M.R.)
| | - Cristina Pomȋrleanu
- Department of Medical Specialties II, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iasi, Romania; (C.P.); (C.A.)
- Clinical Rehabilitation Hospital, 700661 Iasi, Romania; (A.M.); (A.O.); (D.-C.C.)
| | - Alexandra Maştaleru
- Clinical Rehabilitation Hospital, 700661 Iasi, Romania; (A.M.); (A.O.); (D.-C.C.)
- Department of Medical Specialties I, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iasi, Romania
| | - Andra Oancea
- Clinical Rehabilitation Hospital, 700661 Iasi, Romania; (A.M.); (A.O.); (D.-C.C.)
- Department of Medical Specialties I, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iasi, Romania
| | - Doina-Clementina Cojocaru
- Clinical Rehabilitation Hospital, 700661 Iasi, Romania; (A.M.); (A.O.); (D.-C.C.)
- Department of Medical Specialties I, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iasi, Romania
| | - Mara Russu
- “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 16 Universitatii Str., 700115 Iași, Romania; (E.E.S.); (M.R.)
| | - Robert Daniel Negru
- Clinical Rehabilitation Hospital, 700661 Iasi, Romania; (A.M.); (A.O.); (D.-C.C.)
- Department of Medical Specialties I, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iasi, Romania
| | - Codrina Ancuța
- Department of Medical Specialties II, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iasi, Romania; (C.P.); (C.A.)
- Clinical Rehabilitation Hospital, 700661 Iasi, Romania; (A.M.); (A.O.); (D.-C.C.)
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Lv C, Sun M, Guo Y, Xia W, Qiao S, Tao Y, Fang Y, Zhang Q, Zhu Y, Yalikun Y, Xia Y, Wei Z, Dai Y. Cholinergic dysfunction-induced insufficient activation of alpha7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor drives the development of rheumatoid arthritis through promoting protein citrullination via the SP3/PAD4 pathway. Acta Pharm Sin B 2023; 13:1600-1615. [PMID: 37139415 PMCID: PMC10150100 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2023.01.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Revised: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Both cholinergic dysfunction and protein citrullination are the hallmarks of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), but the relationship between the two phenomena remains unclear. We explored whether and how cholinergic dysfunction accelerates protein citrullination and consequently drives the development of RA. Cholinergic function and protein citrullination levels in patients with RA and collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) mice were collected. In both neuron-macrophage coculture system and CIA mice, the effect of cholinergic dysfunction on protein citrullination and expression of peptidylarginine deiminases (PADs) was assessed by immunofluorescence. The key transcription factors for PAD4 expression were predicted and validated. Cholinergic dysfunction in the patients with RA and CIA mice negatively correlated with the degree of protein citrullination in synovial tissues. The cholinergic or alpha7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7nAChR) deactivation and activation resulted in the promotion and reduction of protein citrullination in vitro and in vivo, respectively. Especially, the activation deficiency of α7nAChR induced the earlier onset and aggravation of CIA. Furthermore, deactivation of α7nAChR increased the expression of PAD4 and specificity protein-3 (SP3) in vitro and in vivo. Our results suggest that cholinergic dysfunction-induced deficient α7nAChR activation, which induces the expression of SP3 and its downstream molecule PAD4, accelerating protein citrullination and the development of RA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changjun Lv
- Department of Pharmacology of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Minghui Sun
- Division of Sports Medicine and Adult Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, the Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Yilei Guo
- Department of Pharmacology of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Wenxin Xia
- Department of Pharmacology of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Simiao Qiao
- Department of Pharmacology of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Yu Tao
- Department of Pharmacology of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Yulai Fang
- Department of Pharmacology of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Qin Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Yanrong Zhu
- Department of Pharmacology of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Yusufu Yalikun
- Division of Sports Medicine and Adult Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, the Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Yufeng Xia
- Department of Pharmacology of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Zhifeng Wei
- Department of Pharmacology of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
- Corresponding authors.
| | - Yue Dai
- Department of Pharmacology of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
- Corresponding authors.
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Günlü S, Aktan A. Evaluation of the Cardiac Conduction System in Fibromyalgia Patients With Complaints of Palpitations. Cureus 2022; 14:e28784. [PMID: 36225502 PMCID: PMC9533093 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.28784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective This study aimed to investigate the influence of fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) on the cardiac conduction system and assess patients’ palpitation complaints using 24-h ambulatory ECG (Holter {Maynard, MA: Northeast Monitoring, Inc.}) monitoring. Methods Ninety patients with FMS and 70 healthy controls were included in this research. ECG was performed on all participants, and ECG parameters were calculated. Holter monitoring was conducted, and the recordings were analyzed. The results of time-domain heart rate variability (HRV) were evaluated. Results The patient group’s mean age was 38.3±6.3 years. There were no statistically significant differences in demographic or laboratory parameters across the groups (p>0.05). The findings of a 24-h Holter ECG recording did not vary significantly between the groups (p=0.182). In the study group, the values for the standard deviation of R-R intervals (SDNN), low frequency (LF), and low/high frequency (LF/HF), which are known as HRV indicators, were substantially different between the two groups (p<0.05). Conclusions The study indicated that the risk of arrhythmias did not increase even though FM patients complained of palpitations.
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Danilin LK, Spindler M, Sörös P, Bantel C. Heart rate and heart rate variability in patients with chronic inflammatory joint disease: the role of pain duration and the insular cortex. BMC Musculoskelet Disord 2022; 23:75. [PMID: 35062938 PMCID: PMC8783425 DOI: 10.1186/s12891-022-05009-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2021] [Accepted: 01/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Chronic inflammatory joint diseases (CIJD) have been linked to increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. A decisive reason could be a dysregulation of the autonomic nervous system, which is responsible for the control of cardiovascular function. So far, the cause of changes in autonomic nervous system functions remains elusive. In this study, we investigate the role of chronic pain and the insular cortex in autonomic control of cardiac functioning in patients with CIJD.
Methods
We studied the autonomic nervous system through the assessment of heart rate and heart rate variability (HRV) at rest and under cognitive stimulation. Furthermore, we investigated insular cortex volume by performing surface-based brain morphometry with FreeSurfer. For this study, 47 participants were recruited, 22 individual age- and sex-matched pairs for the magnetic resonance imaging analyses and 14 for the HRV analyses. All available patients’ data were used for analysis.
Results
Pain duration was negatively correlated with the resting heart rate in patients with chronic inflammatory joint diseases (n = 20). In a multiple linear regression model including only CIJD patients with heart rate at rest as a dependent variable, we found a significant positive relationship between heart rate at rest and the volume of the left insular cortex and a significant negative relationship between heart rate at rest and the volume of the right insular cortex. However, we found no significant differences in HRV parameters or insular cortex volumes between both groups.
Conclusions
In this study we provide evidence to suggest insular cortex involvement in the process of ANS changes due to chronic pain in CIJD patients.
The study was preregistered with the German Clinical Trials Register (https://www.drks.de; DRKS00012791; date of registration: 28 July 2017).
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Patel KHK, Jones TN, Sattler S, Mason JC, Ng FS. Proarrhythmic electrophysiological and structural remodeling in rheumatoid arthritis. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2020; 319:H1008-H1020. [PMID: 32946265 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00401.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Chronic inflammatory disorders, including rheumatoid arthritis (RA), are associated with a twofold increase in the incidence of sudden cardiac death (SCD) compared with the healthy population. Although this is partly explained by an increased prevalence of coronary artery disease, growing evidence suggests that ischemia alone cannot completely account for the increased risk. The present review explores the mechanisms of cardiac electrophysiological remodeling in response to chronic inflammation in RA. In particular, it focuses on the roles of nonischemic structural remodeling, altered cardiac ionic currents, and autonomic nervous system dysfunction in ventricular arrhythmogenesis and SCD. It also explores whether common genetic elements predispose to both RA and SCD. Finally, it evaluates the potential dual effects of disease-modifying therapy in both diminishing and promoting the risk of ventricular arrhythmias and SCD.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Susanne Sattler
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, United Kingdom
| | - Justin C Mason
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, United Kingdom
| | - Fu Siong Ng
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, United Kingdom
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Cardiac Autonomic Control in Women with Rheumatoid Arthritis During the Glittre Activities of Daily Living Test. Asian J Sports Med 2020. [DOI: 10.5812/asjsm.101400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Cardiovascular autonomic dysfunction is one of the most common complications in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), which can be assessed by heart rate variability (HRV) analysis. Because the autonomic nervous system plays an important role in orchestrating the cardiovascular response to stressors, assessing HRV during exercise is critical. The Glittre Activities of Daily Living test (GA-T) was recently proposed as a multitask field test that requires the performance of the upper and lower limbs, both of which are affected in individuals with RA. Objectives: This study was conducted to evaluate autonomic impairment by HRV in women with RA using the GA-T and to correlate these changes with physical functioning and muscle strength. Methods: This cross-sectional study enrolled 20 women (median [interquartile range]: age 55 [47.5 - 68.8] years) with RA (time since diagnosis: 15 [6.50 - 23.5] years) who underwent HRV assessment during GA-T. They also underwent physical functioning assessment through the Health Assessment Questionnaire Disability Index (HAQ-DI) and handgrip strength (HGS) and quadriceps strength (QS) measures. Results: The GA-T time exhibited significant correlations with the following HRV indices: root mean square of successive differences (RMSSD, rs = -0.451, P = 0.041), proportion of iRR differing by > 50 ms from previous intervals (pNN50, rs = -0.697, P = 0.0006), high frequency (HF, rs = -0.693, P = 0.0007), standard deviation of the points perpendicular to the line-of-identity (SD1, rs = -0.476, P = 0.034), and approximate entropy (ApEn, rs = 0.545, P = 0.013). In addition, the HAQ-DI exhibited significant correlations with the following HRV indices: pNN50 (rs = -0.467, P = 0.038) and HF (rs = -0.444, P = 0.049). We did not observe significant correlation between the HRV indices during the GA-T and the muscle strength measures (HGS and QS). Conclusions: In women with RA, the longer the required to perform the GA-T the worse their parasympathetic modulation, sympathetic-vagal imbalance, and complexity of the autonomic nervous system (i.e., increased index of ApEn) were. Physical functioning level was also related to vagal modulation.
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Ganglionic Acetylcholine Receptor Antibodies and Autonomic Dysfunction in Autoimmune Rheumatic Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21041332. [PMID: 32079137 PMCID: PMC7073227 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21041332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2020] [Revised: 02/13/2020] [Accepted: 02/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Autonomic neuropathy has been reported in autoimmune rheumatic diseases (ARD) including Sjögren’s syndrome, systemic sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and systemic lupus erythematosus. However, the pathophysiological mechanism underlying autonomic dysfunction remains unknown to researchers. On the other hand, autoimmune autonomic ganglionopathy (AAG) is an acquired immune-mediated disorder, which causes dysautonomia that is mediated by autoantibodies against ganglionic acetylcholine receptors (gAChRs). The purpose of this review was to describe the characteristics of autonomic disturbance through previous case reports and the functional tests used in these studies and address the importance of anti-gAChR antibodies. We have established luciferase immunoprecipitation systems to detect antibodies against gAChR in the past and determined the prevalence of gAChR antibodies in various autoimmune diseases including AAG and rheumatic diseases. Autonomic dysfunction, which affects lower parasympathetic and higher sympathetic activity, is usually observed in ARD. The anti-gAChR antibodies may play a crucial role in autonomic dysfunction observed in ARD. Further studies are necessary to determine whether anti-gAChR antibody levels are correlated with the severity of autonomic dysfunction in ARD.
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Lazzerini PE, Capecchi PL, Laghi-Pasini F. Systemic inflammation and arrhythmic risk: lessons from rheumatoid arthritis. Eur Heart J 2018; 38:1717-1727. [PMID: 27252448 DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehw208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2016] [Accepted: 05/04/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic immuno-mediated disease primarily affecting the joints, characterized by persistent high-grade systemic inflammation. Cardiovascular morbidity and mortality are significantly increased in RA, with >50% of premature deaths attributable to cardiovascular disease. In particular, RA patients were twice as likely to experience sudden cardiac death compared with non-RA subjects, pointing to an increased propensity to develop malignant ventricular arrhythmias. Indeed, ventricular repolarization (QT interval) abnormalities and cardiovascular autonomic nervous system dysfunction, representing two well-recognized risk factors for life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias in the general population, are commonly observed in RA. Moreover, large population-based studies seem to indicate that also the prevalence of atrial fibrillation is significantly higher in RA subjects than in the general population, thus suggesting that these patients are characterized by an abnormal diffuse myocardial electrical instability. Although the underlying mechanisms accounting for the pro-arrhythmogenic substrate in RA are probably intricate, the leading role seems to be played by chronic systemic inflammatory activation, able to promote arrhythmias both indirectly, by accelerating the development of ischaemic heart disease and congestive heart failure, and directly, by affecting cardiac electrophysiology. In this integrated mechanistic view, lowering the inflammatory burden through an increasingly tight control of disease activity may represent the most effective intervention to reduce arrhythmic risk in these patients. Intriguingly, these considerations could be more generally applicable to all the diseases characterized by chronic systemic inflammation, and could help elucidate the link between low-grade chronic inflammation and arrhythmic risk in the general population.
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Provan SA, Olstad DS, Solberg EE, Smedslund G, Dagfinrud H. Evidence of reduced parasympathetic autonomic regulation in inflammatory joint disease: A meta-analyses study. Semin Arthritis Rheum 2017; 48:134-140. [PMID: 29291895 DOI: 10.1016/j.semarthrit.2017.11.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2017] [Revised: 11/28/2017] [Accepted: 11/30/2017] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and spondyloarthritis (SpA) are inflammatory joint disorders (IJD) with increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Autonomic dysfunction (AD) is a risk factor for CVD, and parasympathetic AD is linked to key features of IJD such as inflammation, physical inactivity and pain. Heart-rate variability (HRV) is a marker of cardiac AD. The study objective was to compare parasympathetic cardiac AD, measured by HRV, between patients with IJD and healthy controls, using meta-analysis methodology, and to examine the impact of inflammation, physical inactivity and pain on HRV in IJD. METHODS Medline, Embase and Amed were searched. Inclusion criteria were adult case-control studies published in English or a Scandinavian language, presenting HRV data in IJD. Two measures of HRV and 3 from the Ewing protocol were selected: square root of mean squared difference of successive R-R intervals (RMSSD), high frequency (HF), Ewing protocol; standing (E-S), breathing (E-B) and Valsalva (E-V). Patients with RA, SpA and healthy controls were compared separately using random-effects meta-analyses of standardized mean differences (SMD). RESULTS In all, 35 papers were eligible for inclusion. For RMSSD the pooled SMD (95% CI) RA vs. controls was -0.90 (-1.35 to -0.44), for SpA vs. controls; -0.34 (-0.73 to 0.06). For HF pooled SMD RA vs. controls was -0.78 (-0.99 to -0.57), for SpA vs. controls; -0.04 (-0.22 to 0.13). All Ewing parameters were significantly lower in cases, except for E-V which was comparable between cases and controls in patients with RA. CONCLUSION Patients with IJD have cardiac parasympathetic AD which is related to inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sella A Provan
- Department of Rheumatology, Diakonhjemmet Hospital, PB 23 Vindern, 0319 Oslo, Norway.
| | - Daniela Schäfer Olstad
- Department of Rheumatology, National Resource Centre for Rehabilitation in Rheumatology, Diakonhjemmet Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Erik E Solberg
- Department of Medicine, Diakonhjemmet Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Geir Smedslund
- Department of Rheumatology, National Resource Centre for Rehabilitation in Rheumatology, Diakonhjemmet Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Hanne Dagfinrud
- Department of Rheumatology, National Resource Centre for Rehabilitation in Rheumatology, Diakonhjemmet Hospital, Oslo, Norway
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Aggarwal D, Singla S. Prevalence of Autonomic Neuropathy in Patients of Rheumatoid Arthritis and Its Correlation with Disease Severity. J Clin Diagn Res 2017; 11:OC09-OC13. [PMID: 28571182 DOI: 10.7860/jcdr/2017/24182.9614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2016] [Accepted: 01/18/2017] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Autonomic Neuropathy (AN), found to be a strong predictor of sudden cardiac death, has been reported variably in patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA). Manifesting as sweating disturbances, gastrointestinal irregularities, bladder or erectile dysfunction, AN can significantly affect a patient's quality of life and alter the course of the disease. AIM This study was undertaken to find out the prevalence and severity of AN in RA patients attending the Rheumatology Clinic at a Tertiary Care Hospital in New Delhi, India and also to investigate its correlation with patient and disease factors such as age, gender, disease severity, duration and serological status. MATERIALS AND METHODS In this cross-sectional study, AN was assessed subjectively by a survey of autonomic symptoms. Cardiac autonomic involvement was assessed by five cardiovascular reflex tests as described by Ewing: Heart Rate (HR) response to deep breathing, standing, and Valsalva and Blood Pressure (BP) response to standing and sustained handgrip. RESULTS A total of 31 RA patients and 31 age and sex matched healthy volunteers were recruited. Upon analysis it was found that the prevalence of cardiac AN was significantly higher in patients (80.65%) as compared to controls (51.61%) (p=0.016). Positive correlation with disease severity was observed with the patient reported questionnaire but not with the objective cardiovascular reflex tests. No significant correlation between grade of AN and patient's age, gender, disease duration or serological status was established. CONCLUSION At the end of the study, it was concluded that the pathological mechanisms responsible for autonomic dysfunction are more active in RA as compared to others.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sumeet Singla
- Associate Professor, Department of Medicine, Maulana Azad Medical College, New Delhi, India
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Syngle V, Syngle A, Garg N, Krishan P, Verma I. Predictors of autonomic neuropathy in rheumatoid arthritis. Auton Neurosci 2016; 201:54-59. [PMID: 27503343 DOI: 10.1016/j.autneu.2016.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2015] [Revised: 04/17/2016] [Accepted: 07/25/2016] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Autonomic dysfunction occurs in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, the association between the autonomic dysfunction and inflammation has not been investigated in RA. We investigated the relationship between inflammation and ANS function in RA. METHODS In this cross-sectional study, 25 RA patients and 25 age and sex-matched healthy controls were recruited. Autonomic function assessed by five cardiovascular reflex tests according to Ewing. Parasympathetic dysfunction established by applying three tests: heart rate response to deep breath (HRD) and standing (HRS) and Valsalva tests. Sympathetic dysfunction examined by applying two tests: BP response to standing and handgrip test. Peripheral sympathetic autonomic function assessed by Sudoscan through measurement of electrochemical skin conductance of hands and feet. Sudoscan investigates the sweat gland activity and used as a surrogate to study the damage of sympathetic sudomotor nerves in neuropathy. It is an indirect assessment tool of sudomotor function. Disease-specific and inflammatory measures (DAS 28, ESR, CRP, TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1) were determined. RESULTS RA patients had significantly impaired HRD, HRS, BP response to hand grip and sudomotor function as compared to healthy controls. Pro-inflammatory cytokines were significantly higher in RA as compared to healthy controls (p<0.05). DAS 28 significantly correlated with HRD in RA. ESR significantly correlated with HRD and HRS. TNF-α significantly correlated with HRD, HRS, BP response to standing and sudomotor function. Significant correlation was found between IL-6 and HRS. Seropositive patients had more pronounced CAN and sudomotor dysfunction. CONCLUSION Autonomic dysfunction in RA is related to disease activity, seropositivity and pro-inflammatory cytokines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vijaita Syngle
- Cardio Rheuma and Healing Touch City Clinic, Chandigarh, India
| | - Ashit Syngle
- Cardio Rheuma and Healing Touch City Clinic, Chandigarh, India; Fortis Multispecialty Hospital, Mohali, Punjab, India.
| | - Nidhi Garg
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Drug Research, Punjabi University, Patiala, Punjab, India
| | - Pawan Krishan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Drug Research, Punjabi University, Patiala, Punjab, India
| | - Inderjeet Verma
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Drug Research, Punjabi University, Patiala, Punjab, India
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Osailan A, Metsios GS, Rouse PC, Ntoumanis N, Duda JL, Kitas GD, Veldhuijzen van Zanten JJCS. Factors associated with parasympathetic activation following exercise in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: a cross-sectional study. BMC Cardiovasc Disord 2016; 16:86. [PMID: 27165730 PMCID: PMC4862092 DOI: 10.1186/s12872-016-0264-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2015] [Accepted: 04/29/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) have an increased risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD) with poor parasympathetic function being implicated as an underlying factor. Factors related to parasympathetic function, commonly assessed by heart rate recovery (HRR) following maximal exercise, are currently not known in RA. We aimed to explore the association between HRR with CVD risk factors, inflammatory markers, and wellbeing in patients with RA. METHODS Ninety-six RA patients (54.4 ± 12.6 years, 68 % women) completed a treadmill exercise test, during which heart rate (HR) was monitored. HRR1 and HRR2 were defined as the absolute change from HR peak to HRR 1 min post HR peak and 2 min post HR peak, respectively. Cardiorespiratory fitness, CVD risk factors, and serological markers of inflammation were measured in all patients. The Framingham Risk Score (FRS) was used as an assessment of global risk for CVD events, and wellbeing was assessed by questionnaires. RESULTS Mean HRR1 and HRR2 were 29.1 ± 13.2 bpm and 46.4 ± 15.3 bpm, respectively. CVD risk factors as well as most inflammatory markers and measures of wellbeing were inversely correlated with HRR1 and HRR2. Multivariate regression analyses revealed that 27.9 % of the variance in HRR1 and 37.9 % of the variance in HRR2 was explained collectively by CVD risk factors, measures of inflammation, and wellbeing (p = 0.009, p = 0.001 respectively), however no individual measure was independently associated with HRR1 or HRR2. CONCLUSION Parasympathetic activation was associated with overall CVD risk, arthritis-related burden and wellbeing in patients with RA. TRIAL REGISTRATION [Exercise, cardiovascular disease and rheumatoid arthritis, ISRCTN04121489 ].
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmad Osailan
- School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK.
- Department of Rheumatology, Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust, Dudley, UK.
| | - George S Metsios
- Department of Rheumatology, Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust, Dudley, UK
- Department of Physical Activity Exercise and Health, University of Wolverhampton, Walsall, West Midlands, UK
| | - Peter C Rouse
- School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
- Department of Rheumatology, Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust, Dudley, UK
- Department for Health, University of Bath, Bath, UK
| | - Nikos Ntoumanis
- School of Psychology & Speech Pathology, Curtin University, Perth, Australia
| | - Joan L Duda
- School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | - George D Kitas
- School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
- Department of Rheumatology, Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust, Dudley, UK
- Department of Physical Activity Exercise and Health, University of Wolverhampton, Walsall, West Midlands, UK
| | - Jet J C S Veldhuijzen van Zanten
- School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
- Department of Rheumatology, Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust, Dudley, UK
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Kim HA, Jeon JY, Koh BR, Park SB, Suh CH. Salivary cortisol levels, but not salivary α-amylase levels, are elevated in patients with rheumatoid arthritis irrespective of depression. Int J Rheum Dis 2016; 19:172-177. [DOI: 10.1111/1756-185x.12224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/30/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Hyoun-Ah Kim
- Department of Rheumatology; Ajou University School of Medicine; Suwon Korea
- BK21 Division of Cell Transformation and Restoration; Ajou University School of Medicine; Suwon Korea
| | - Ja-Young Jeon
- Department of Rheumatology; Ajou University School of Medicine; Suwon Korea
- BK21 Division of Cell Transformation and Restoration; Ajou University School of Medicine; Suwon Korea
| | - Bo-Ram Koh
- Department of Rheumatology; Ajou University School of Medicine; Suwon Korea
- BK21 Division of Cell Transformation and Restoration; Ajou University School of Medicine; Suwon Korea
| | - Sat-Byul Park
- BK21 Division of Cell Transformation and Restoration; Ajou University School of Medicine; Suwon Korea
- Department of Family Practice; Ajou University School of Medicine; Suwon Korea
| | - Chang-Hee Suh
- Department of Rheumatology; Ajou University School of Medicine; Suwon Korea
- BK21 Division of Cell Transformation and Restoration; Ajou University School of Medicine; Suwon Korea
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Barth Z, Nomeland Witczak B, Schwartz T, Gjesdal K, Flatø B, Koller A, Sanner H, Sjaastad I. In juvenile dermatomyositis, heart rate variability is reduced, and associated with both cardiac dysfunction and markers of inflammation: a cross-sectional study median 13.5 years after symptom onset. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2015; 55:535-43. [DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/kev376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2015] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
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Adlan AM, Panoulas VF, Smith JP, Fisher JP, Kitas GD. Association between corrected QT interval and inflammatory cytokines in rheumatoid arthritis. J Rheumatol 2015; 42:421-8. [PMID: 25593223 DOI: 10.3899/jrheum.140861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Corrected QT (QTc) interval predicts all-cause and cardiovascular mortality and may contribute to the increased mortality risk in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Animal experiments have shown that proinflammatory cytokines [tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interleukin 1 (IL-1)] can prolong cardiomyocyte action potential. We sought to determine whether elevations in circulating inflammatory cytokines were independently associated with QTc prolongation in patients with RA. METHODS One hundred twelve patients [median age 62 (interquartile range 17) yrs; 80 women (71%)] from a well-characterized RA cohort underwent baseline 12-lead electrocardiograms for QT interval measurement and contemporary blood sampling to assess concentrations of inflammatory markers including C-reactive protein (CRP), TNF-α, and interleukins (IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10). QTc was calculated using the Bazett (QTBAZ = QT ÷ √RR) and Framingham Heart Study (QTFHS = QT + 0.154 × [1 - RR]) heart rate correction formulas. RESULTS Inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10) were positively correlated with QTBAZ (Spearman rank correlation coefficient rho = 0.199, 0.210, 0.222, 0.333; all p < 0.05). In multivariable regression analysis, these associations were all confounded by age except IL-10, where higher tertile groups were independently and positively associated with QTBAZ (β = 0.202, p = 0.023) and QTFHS (β = 0.223, p = 0.009) when compared to the lower tertile. CRP (per unit increase) was independently associated with QTBAZ (β = 0.278, p = 0.001), but not QTFHS. CONCLUSION To our knowledge, ours is the first study demonstrating a contemporary link between inflammatory cytokines and QT interval in humans. Our results suggest that a lower inflammatory burden may protect against QTc prolongation in patients with RA. However, further studies are required to confirm the effects of pro- and antiinflammatory cytokines on QTc interval.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed M Adlan
- From the College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham; Imperial College London, National Heart and Lung Institute, South Kensington Campus, London; and the Department of Rheumatology, Dudley Group of Hospitals National Health Service (NHS) Trust, Russells Hall Hospital, Dudley, UK.A.M. Adlan, MBBS, MRCP, College of Environmental Sciences; J.P. Fisher, BSc (Hons), PhD, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham; V.F. Panoulas, MD, PhD, Imperial College London, National Heart and Lung Institute, Department of Rheumatology, Dudley Group of Hospitals NHS Trust; J.P. Smith, BSc (Hons), MSc; G.D. Kitas, MD, PhD, FRCP, Department of Rheumatology, Dudley Group of Hospitals NHS Trust.
| | - Vasileios F Panoulas
- From the College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham; Imperial College London, National Heart and Lung Institute, South Kensington Campus, London; and the Department of Rheumatology, Dudley Group of Hospitals National Health Service (NHS) Trust, Russells Hall Hospital, Dudley, UK.A.M. Adlan, MBBS, MRCP, College of Environmental Sciences; J.P. Fisher, BSc (Hons), PhD, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham; V.F. Panoulas, MD, PhD, Imperial College London, National Heart and Lung Institute, Department of Rheumatology, Dudley Group of Hospitals NHS Trust; J.P. Smith, BSc (Hons), MSc; G.D. Kitas, MD, PhD, FRCP, Department of Rheumatology, Dudley Group of Hospitals NHS Trust
| | - Jacqueline P Smith
- From the College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham; Imperial College London, National Heart and Lung Institute, South Kensington Campus, London; and the Department of Rheumatology, Dudley Group of Hospitals National Health Service (NHS) Trust, Russells Hall Hospital, Dudley, UK.A.M. Adlan, MBBS, MRCP, College of Environmental Sciences; J.P. Fisher, BSc (Hons), PhD, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham; V.F. Panoulas, MD, PhD, Imperial College London, National Heart and Lung Institute, Department of Rheumatology, Dudley Group of Hospitals NHS Trust; J.P. Smith, BSc (Hons), MSc; G.D. Kitas, MD, PhD, FRCP, Department of Rheumatology, Dudley Group of Hospitals NHS Trust
| | - James P Fisher
- From the College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham; Imperial College London, National Heart and Lung Institute, South Kensington Campus, London; and the Department of Rheumatology, Dudley Group of Hospitals National Health Service (NHS) Trust, Russells Hall Hospital, Dudley, UK.A.M. Adlan, MBBS, MRCP, College of Environmental Sciences; J.P. Fisher, BSc (Hons), PhD, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham; V.F. Panoulas, MD, PhD, Imperial College London, National Heart and Lung Institute, Department of Rheumatology, Dudley Group of Hospitals NHS Trust; J.P. Smith, BSc (Hons), MSc; G.D. Kitas, MD, PhD, FRCP, Department of Rheumatology, Dudley Group of Hospitals NHS Trust
| | - George D Kitas
- From the College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham; Imperial College London, National Heart and Lung Institute, South Kensington Campus, London; and the Department of Rheumatology, Dudley Group of Hospitals National Health Service (NHS) Trust, Russells Hall Hospital, Dudley, UK.A.M. Adlan, MBBS, MRCP, College of Environmental Sciences; J.P. Fisher, BSc (Hons), PhD, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham; V.F. Panoulas, MD, PhD, Imperial College London, National Heart and Lung Institute, Department of Rheumatology, Dudley Group of Hospitals NHS Trust; J.P. Smith, BSc (Hons), MSc; G.D. Kitas, MD, PhD, FRCP, Department of Rheumatology, Dudley Group of Hospitals NHS Trust
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Adlan AM, Lip GYH, Paton JFR, Kitas GD, Fisher JP. Autonomic function and rheumatoid arthritis: a systematic review. Semin Arthritis Rheum 2014; 44:283-304. [PMID: 25151910 DOI: 10.1016/j.semarthrit.2014.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2014] [Revised: 06/16/2014] [Accepted: 06/22/2014] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory condition with increased all-cause and cardiovascular mortality. Accumulating evidence indicates that the immune and autonomic nervous systems (ANS) are major contributors to the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease. We performed the first systematic literature review to determine the prevalence and nature of ANS dysfunction in RA and whether there is a causal relationship between inflammation and ANS function. METHODS Electronic databases (MEDLINE, Central and Cochrane Library) were searched for studies of RA patients where autonomic function was assessed. RESULTS A total of 40 studies were included. ANS function was assessed by clinical cardiovascular reflex tests (CCTs) (n = 18), heart rate variability (HRV) (n = 15), catecholamines (n = 5), biomarkers of sympathetic activity (n = 5), sympathetic skin responses (n = 5), cardiac baroreflex sensitivity (cBRS) (n = 2) and pupillary light reflexes (n = 2). A prevalence of ~60% (median, range: 20-86%) of ANS dysfunction (defined by abnormal CCTs) in RA was reported in 9 small studies. Overall, 73% of studies (n = 27/37) reported at least one of the following abnormalities in ANS function: parasympathetic dysfunction (n = 20/26, 77%), sympathetic dysfunction (n = 16/30, 53%) or reduced cBRS (n = 1/2, 50%). An association between increased inflammation and ANS dysfunction was found (n = 7/19, 37%), although causal relationships could not be elucidated from the studies available to date. CONCLUSIONS ANS dysfunction is prevalent in ~60% of RA patients. The main pattern of dysfunction is impairment of cardiovascular reflexes and altered HRV, indicative of reduced cardiac parasympathetic (strong evidence) activity and elevated cardiac sympathetic activity (limited evidence). The literature to date is underpowered to determine causal relationships between inflammation and ANS dysfunction in RA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed M Adlan
- College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2 TT, UK.
| | - Gregory Y H Lip
- University of Birmingham Centre of Cardiovascular Sciences, City Hospital, Birmingham, UK
| | - Julian F R Paton
- School of Physiology and Pharmacology, Bristol CardioVascular Medical Sciences Building, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - George D Kitas
- Department of Rheumatology, Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust, Russells Hall Hospital, Dudley, West Midlands, UK
| | - James P Fisher
- College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2 TT, UK
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Lazzerini PE, Capecchi PL, Acampa M, Galeazzi M, Laghi-Pasini F. Arrhythmic risk in rheumatoid arthritis: the driving role of systemic inflammation. Autoimmun Rev 2014; 13:936-44. [PMID: 24874445 DOI: 10.1016/j.autrev.2014.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2014] [Accepted: 05/20/2014] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
When compared to the general population, patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) have an overall standard mortality ratio of approximately two, with more than 50% of premature deaths attributable to cardiovascular disease (CVD). Moreover, RA patients were twice as likely to experience sudden cardiac death (SCD) compared with non-RA subjects, as a putative consequence of an increased incidence of malignant arrhythmias. Accordingly, mounting data indicate that in patients affected with RA the risk of developing rhythm disturbances, particularly tachyarrhythmias, is high. Although a number of papers reviewing the problem of cardiovascular involvement in RA are currently available, the main focus is on the mechanisms of accelerated atherosclerosis and related ischemic consequences in the clinical setting. On the contrary, only little consideration has been specifically given to the arrhythmic risk so far. In the light of this concern, in the present paper we reviewed the topic with the aim to put together the apparently fragmentary existing information, with particular attention to the putative role of chronic systemic inflammation characterizing the disease. In fact, although the underlying mechanisms accounting the arrhythmogenic substrate in RA are probably intricate, the leading role seems to be played by inflammatory activation, able to promote arrhythmias either indirectly, by accelerating the development of structural CVD, and directly by affecting cardiac electrophysiology. In this view, lowering inflammatory burden through an increasingly tight control of disease activity may represent the most effective intervention to reduce arrhythmic risk and prevent life-threatening complications in these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pietro Enea Lazzerini
- Department of Medical Sciences, Surgery and Neurosciences, University of Siena, Italy.
| | | | | | - Mauro Galeazzi
- Department of Medical Sciences, Surgery and Neurosciences, University of Siena, Italy
| | - Franco Laghi-Pasini
- Department of Medical Sciences, Surgery and Neurosciences, University of Siena, Italy
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Dor-Haim H, Berenfeld O, Horowitz M, Lotan C, Swissa M. Reduced Ventricular Arrhythmogeneity and Increased Electrical Complexity in Normal Exercised Rats. PLoS One 2013; 8:e66658. [PMID: 23825553 PMCID: PMC3688953 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0066658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2013] [Accepted: 05/09/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The mechanisms whereby aerobic training reduces the occurrence of sudden cardiac death in humans are not clear. We test the hypothesis that exercise-induced increased resistance to ventricular tachycardia and fibrillation (VT/VF) involve an intrinsic remodeling in healthy hearts. METHODS AND RESULTS Thirty rats were divided into a sedentary (CTRL, n = 16) and two exercise groups: short- (4 weeks, ST, n = 7) and long-term (8 weeks, LT, n = 7) trained groups. Following the exercise program hearts were isolated and studied in a Langendorff perfusion system. An S1-S2 pacing protocol was applied at the right ventricle to determine inducibility of VT/VF. Fast Fourier transforms were applied on ECG time-series. In-vivo measurements showed training-induced increase in aerobic capacity, heart-to-body weight ratio and a 50% low-to-high frequency ratio reduction in the heart rate variability (p<0.05). In isolated hearts the probability for VF decreased from 26.1±14.4 in CTRL to 13.9±14.1 and 6.7±8.5% in the ST and LT, respectively (p<0.05). Duration of VF also decreased from 19.0±5.7 in CTRL to 8.8±7.1 and 6.0±5.8 sec in ST and LT respectively (p<0.05). Moreover, the pacing current required for VF induction increased following exercise (2.9±1.7 vs. 5.4±2.1 and 8.5±0.9 mA, respectively; p<0.05). Frequency analysis of ECG revealed an exercise-induced VF transition from a narrow single peak spectrum at 17 Hz in CTRL to a broader range of peaks ranging between 8.8 and 22.5 Hz in the LT group (p<0.05). CONCLUSION Exercise in rats leads to reduced VF propensity associated with an intrinsic cardiac remodeling related to a broader spectral range and faster frequency components in the ECG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Horesh Dor-Haim
- Heart Institute, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Omer Berenfeld
- Center for Arrhythmia Research, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Michal Horowitz
- Department of Physiology, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Chaim Lotan
- Heart Institute, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Moshe Swissa
- Cardiac Research Center, Kaplan Medical Center, Rehovot, Israel
- * E-mail:
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Lazzerini PE, Acampa M, Capecchi PL, Hammoud M, Maffei S, Bisogno S, Barreca C, Galeazzi M, Laghi-Pasini F. Association between high sensitivity C-reactive protein, heart rate variability and corrected QT interval in patients with chronic inflammatory arthritis. Eur J Intern Med 2013; 24:368-74. [PMID: 23517852 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejim.2013.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2012] [Revised: 12/29/2012] [Accepted: 02/18/2013] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The risk of sudden cardiac death is increased in chronic inflammatory arthritis, particularly rheumatoid arthritis (RA). To evaluate the putative effect of systemic inflammation on heart rate variability (HRV) and ventricular repolarization in chronic inflammatory arthritis, we analyzed in these patients the possible relationship among HRV parameters, QT interval, and high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP). METHODS One hundred-one patients with chronic inflammatory arthritis underwent a 15-minute ambulatory twelve-channel electrocardiogram-recording, to evaluate HRV and QT interval, as well as a venous withdrawal for hsCRP as an estimation of ongoing systemic inflammation. RESULTS In patients with chronic inflammatory arthritis, hsCRP is inversely correlated with HRV and directly with QTc duration, but while hsCRP is associated with HRV independently from any other investigated factor, the association between hsCRP and QTc seems to be an indirect consequence of the autonomic dysfunction itself. Within the whole cohort of patients, those subjects having elevated hsCRP levels displayed both a significant reduction in HRV and a prolongation of QTc with respect to patients with a normal hsCRP value. A similar, although less marked, degree of HRV depression and QTc prolongation was found in RA patients when compared to subjects with spondyloarthritis (SpA) and healthy controls. CONCLUSIONS These data provide evidence of a link between systemic inflammation and the arrhythmic risk in patients with chronic inflammatory arthritis, also putatively explaining, at least in part, how the different inflammatory load characterizing RA and SpA parallels the different risks of cardiovascular death in these two conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pietro Enea Lazzerini
- Department of Medical Sciences, Surgery and Neurosciences, University of Siena, Siena, Italy.
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Janse van Rensburg DC, Ker JA, Grant CC, Fletcher L. Autonomic impairment in rheumatoid arthritis. Int J Rheum Dis 2012; 15:419-26. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1756-185x.2012.01730.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - James A. Ker
- Department of Internal Medicine and ; University of Pretoria; Pretoria; South Africa
| | | | - Lizelle Fletcher
- Department of Statistics; University of Pretoria; Pretoria; South Africa
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Ruyssen-Witrand A, Fautrel B, Saraux A, Le Loët X, Pham T. Risque cardiovasculaire associé à la corticothérapie à faible dose dans la polyarthrite rhumatoïde : revue de la littérature. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2010. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rhum.2010.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
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Yuen AWC, Sander JW. Can slow breathing exercises improve seizure control in people with refractory epilepsy? A hypothesis. Epilepsy Behav 2010; 18:331-4. [PMID: 20630807 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2010.05.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2009] [Revised: 05/05/2010] [Accepted: 05/19/2010] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Studies on various medical conditions have shown that poor health is associated with lower parasympathetic tone. People with epilepsy appear to have decreased parasympathetic tone, with a greater decrease in those with intractable seizures than in those with well-controlled epilepsy. Slow breathing exercises have been shown to increase parasympathetic tone in healthy volunteers. Slow breathing exercises have been shown to improve a number of medical conditions including asthma, hypertension, anxiety states, and posttraumatic stress disorder. We hypothesize that slow breathing exercises in people with epilepsy can lead to an increase in parasympathetic tone and an accompanying reduction in seizure frequency. The slow breathing exercises, probably through baroreceptors, chemoreceptors, and pulmonary stretch receptors, affect cortical activity and hence seizure thresholds. It is also possible that slow breathing exercises might reduce seizure frequency by reducing anxiety. The hypothesis can be tested by employing devices and protocols that have been used to reduce breathing rates and have been shown to improve health outcomes in other medical conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alan W C Yuen
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, UCL Institute of Neurology, London, UK.
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Ruyssen-Witrand A, Fautrel B, Saraux A, Le Loët X, Pham T. Cardiovascular risk induced by low-dose corticosteroids in rheumatoid arthritis: a systematic literature review. Joint Bone Spine 2010; 78:23-30. [PMID: 20471897 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbspin.2010.02.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2009] [Accepted: 02/03/2010] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To assess the association between cardiovascular (CV) risk and low-dose corticosteroids (LD-CT, defined as a daily dose <10mg/day of prednisone) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. METHODS DATA SOURCE A systematic review of the literature up to June 2009 was performed. DATA EXTRACTION (1) cardiovascular risk factors: high blood pressure, glycemia and lipid profile, carotid intima-media thickness, pulse-wave velocity, ventricular function; (2) "hard" outcomes: heart failure (HF), stroke, myocardial infarction (MI) or mortality. DATA ANALYSIS descriptive, comparing CV risk between LD-CT-treated RA patients and LD-CT-non-treated RA patients. RESULTS Of the 1138 screened reports, the literature search identified 37 assessing CV risk in LD-CT treated RA. The analysis showed a protective effect on serum lipid profile, an increase of insulin resistance or glycemia, probably no effect on blood pressure, no effect on atherosclerosis, discrepancies regarding arterial stiffness and no effect on ventricular function or heart rate variability. An association of LD-CT with major CV events was found in 4/6 studies. This included MI (HR=1.7 [1.2-2.3]), stroke (OR=4.36 [1.60-11.90] for LDC between 6 and 10mg/day), mortality (HR=2.03 [1.25-3.32]) and a composite index of CV events (in the group of rheumatoid factor positive RA, HR=2.21 [1.22-4.00]). Two studies did not find any significant association between LD-CT exposure and mortality (OR=2.25 [0.29-102.5]) or a composite index of CV events (OR=1.3 [0.8-2.0]). CONCLUSION Although the literature review showed poor association between LDC exposure and CV risk factors, a trend of increasing major CV events was identified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adeline Ruyssen-Witrand
- Service de rhumatologie B, hôpital Cochin, AP-HP, université Paris-V René-Descartes, 27, rue du Faubourg-Saint-Jacques, 75014 Paris, France.
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Eisen A, Arnson Y, Dovrish Z, Hadary R, Amital H. Arrhythmias and conduction defects in rheumatological diseases--a comprehensive review. Semin Arthritis Rheum 2009; 39:145-56. [PMID: 18585758 DOI: 10.1016/j.semarthrit.2008.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2007] [Revised: 04/07/2008] [Accepted: 05/04/2008] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To review the clinical aspects of cardiac arrhythmias and conduction disturbances in several common and less encountered adult rheumatic diseases and to underline the importance of prompt diagnosis and management in these patients. METHODS The PubMed database was searched for articles published between the years 1960 and 2008 for keywords referring to autoimmune diseases. All relevant English-written articles were reviewed. Most were uncontrolled series and case reports, due to the lack of prospective studies and randomized trials. RESULTS Rheumatologic conditions may affect the cardiovascular system and increase morbidity and mortality. Rhythm and conduction defects are usually mild but may be life-threatening; in certain diseases, such as in systemic lupus erythematosus they may resolve following therapy with corticosteroids. Conduction defects occur frequently in patients with spondyloarthropathies and in those with various forms of vasculitis. Enhanced variation of the QT interval may be a sensitive marker of a higher arrythmogenic tendency in patients with autoimmune conditions. CONCLUSIONS It is important to identify patients at high risk for cardiac arrhythmias. Treating such patients with arrhythmias should not differ fundamentally from other patients. Nevertheless, appropriate clinical attention and judgment should be applied to exclude the possibility that arrhythmias reflect uncontrolled myocardial inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alon Eisen
- Department of Medicine D, Meir Medical Center, Kefar-Saba, Israel
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Ruyssen-Witrand A, Mouterde G, Dernis E, Gaudin P, Wendling D, Cantagrel A, Claudepierre P, Fautrel B, Maillefert JF, Saraux A, Schaeverbeke T, Tebib J, Pham T, Le Loët X. Tolérance des glucocorticoïdes dans la polyarthrite rhumatoïde : élaboration de recommandations pour la pratique clinique, à partir d’une analyse systématique de la littérature et de l’opinion d’experts. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2008. [DOI: 10.1016/s1169-8330(08)70010-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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