Corticotropin-releasing factor modulates cardiovascular and pupillary autonomic reflexes in man: is there a link to inflammation-induced autonomic nervous hyperreflexia?

RNAs in Brain and Heart Diseases

In the era of single-cell analysis, one always has to keep in mind the systemic nature of various diseases and how these diseases could be optimally studied. Comorbidities of the heart in neurological diseases as well as of the brain in cardiovascular diseases are prevalent, but how interactions in the brain–heart axis affect disease development and progression has been poorly addressed. Several brain and heart diseases share common risk factors. A better understanding of the brain–heart interactions will provide better insights for future treatment and personalization of healthcare, for heart failure patients’ benefit notably. We review here emerging evidence that studying noncoding RNAs in the brain–heart axis could be pivotal in understanding these interactions. We also introduce the Special Issue of the International Journal of Molecular Sciences RNAs in Brain and Heart Diseases—EU-CardioRNA COST Action.

Covariates of corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) concentrations in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from healthy humans

BACKGROUND

Define covariates of cerebrospinal corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) levels in normal humans. CRHCSF was measured in 9 normal subjects as part of an intensive study of physiological responses stressors in chronic pain and fatigue states. CRHCSF was first correlated with demographic, vital sign, HPA axis, validated questionnaire domains, baseline and maximal responses to pain, exercise and other stressors. Significant factors were used for linear regression modeling.

RESULTS

Highly significant correlations were found despite the small number of subjects. Three models were defined: (a) CRHCSF with blood glucose and sodium (explained variance = 0.979, adjusted R2 = 0.958, p = 0.02 by 2-tailed testing); (b) CRHCSF with resting respiratory and heart rates (R2 = 0.963, adjusted R2 = 0.939, p = 0.007); and (c) CRHCSF with SF-36 Vitality and Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory Physical Fatigue domains (R2 = 0.859, adjusted R2 = 0.789, p = 0.02).

CONCLUSIONS

Low CRHCSF was predicted by lower glucose, respiratory and heart rates, and higher sodium and psychometric constructs of well being. Responses at peak exercise and to other acute stressors were not correlated. CRHCSF may have reflected an overall, or chronic, set-point for physiological responses, but did not predict the reserves available to respond to immediate stressors.

Autonomic nervous function in Helicobacter pylori-infected patients with atypical chest pain studied by analysis of heart rate variability

OBJECTIVES

Cardiovascular autonomic nervous system (ANS) activity estimated by analysis of heart rate variability (HRV) was compared in Helicobacter pylori-positive and H. pylori-negative male patients suffering from atypical chest pain to verify the hypothesis that autonomic neural system might be the way linking chronic H. pylori infection with gastrointestinal tract disorders.

METHODS

We have analysed data obtained from 101 male patients examined in our clinic due to atypical chest pain, without evidence of serious cardiovascular, respiratory and digestive tract or metabolic diseases. In each patient, besides interview and physical examination, were performed: gastroscopy with mucosa biopsy (for urease test and histology), oesophageal pH-metry and manometry, ultrasound abdomen examination, chest X-ray, exercise test on running track, 24-h ECG Holter monitoring with time-domain and frequency-domain HRV analysis, and echocardiography.

RESULTS

In comparison with H. pylori-negative, in all H. pylori-infected patients (n = 63) a significantly greater low frequency power, an index of sympathetic activity, and higher values of vagal tone parameters [pNN50, percentage of differences between RR intervals that are greater than 50 ms; high-frequency power in HRV analysis (HF)] were observed. The relationship between H. pylori infection and the HF value was confirmed in multi-factorial analysis. The aforementioned ANS activity differences were accompanied by: significantly fewer gastro-oesophageal acid reflux episodes, lower gastric acidity and more effective and complete oesophageal peristalsis in H. pylori-positive patients.

CONCLUSIONS

H. pylori infection may affect ANS activity and via this way also contribute to gastro-oesophageal and cardiovascular pathology.