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Sarmet M, Takehara S, de Campos PS, Kagiyama K, Borges LS, Kumei Y, Zeredo JLL. Salivary alpha-amylase stress reactivity in advanced-aged marmosets (Callithrix jacchus): Impacts of cognitive function and oral health status. Am J Primatol 2024; 86:e23596. [PMID: 38192065 DOI: 10.1002/ajp.23596] [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: 08/19/2023] [Revised: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/01/2024] [Indexed: 01/10/2024]
Abstract
Salivary alpha-amylase (sAA) is an enzyme found in saliva and is considered a noninvasive biomarker for sympathetic nervous system activity. While a wide range of sAA activity in response to stress has been reported in nonhuman primates, the effects of stress on sAA activity in common marmosets are still unknown. We tested the hypothesis that advanced age and cognitive function may have an impact on stress-related sAA reactivity in marmosets. Thirteen marmosets (nine males and five females) had saliva samples collected during a stressful condition (manual restraint stress) at two different time points, with a 60-min interval. On the next day, the animals underwent the object recognition test (ORT, a type of cognitive test), and then oral examinations. The animals were categorized into two age groups: old (10-13 years), and very old (15-22 years). Irrespective of age, sAA levels showed a significant difference between T1 (mean 2.07 ± 0.86 U/mL) and T2 samples (mean 1.03 ± 0.67 U/mL), with higher values observed at T1 (p < 0.001). The intra-assay coefficients of variation (CV) for low and high sAA concentrations were 10.79% and 8.17%, respectively, while the interassay CVs for low and high sAA concentrations were 6.39% and 4.38%, respectively. Oral health issues were common but did not significantly impact sAA levels. The ORT indicated that the animals could recognize an object placed in the cage 6 h after familiarization. In conclusion, all marmosets showed a higher sAA concentration in the first saliva sample as compared to the second saliva sample collected 1 h later, indicating adaptation to stress. No significant differences in sAA levels were observed between sexes, ORT performance, or oral health. Our results indicate that autonomic responsivity and cognitive (memory) functions were preserved even in very old marmosets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Max Sarmet
- Graduate Program in Health Sciences and Technologies, University of Brasilia, Brasilia, Brazil
| | - Sachiko Takehara
- Division of Preventive Dentistry, Department of Oral Health Science, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, Niigata, Japan
| | - Priscila S de Campos
- Breathing Research and Therapeutics Center, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | | | - Luana S Borges
- Graduate Program in Health Sciences and Technologies, University of Brasilia, Brasilia, Brazil
| | - Yasuhiro Kumei
- Department of Pathological Biochemistry, Graduate School, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Jorge L L Zeredo
- Graduate Program in Health Sciences and Technologies, University of Brasilia, Brasilia, Brazil
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Finley AJ, Angus DJ, Knight EL, van Reekum CM, Lachman ME, Davidson RJ, Schaefer SM. Resting EEG Periodic and Aperiodic Components Predict Cognitive Decline Over 10 Years. J Neurosci 2024; 44:e1332232024. [PMID: 38373849 PMCID: PMC10977020 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1332-23.2024] [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: 07/11/2023] [Revised: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Measures of intrinsic brain function at rest show promise as predictors of cognitive decline in humans, including EEG metrics such as individual α peak frequency (IAPF) and the aperiodic exponent, reflecting the strongest frequency of α oscillations and the relative balance of excitatory/inhibitory neural activity, respectively. Both IAPF and the aperiodic exponent decrease with age and have been associated with worse executive function and working memory. However, few studies have jointly examined their associations with cognitive function, and none have examined their association with longitudinal cognitive decline rather than cross-sectional impairment. In a preregistered secondary analysis of data from the longitudinal Midlife in the United States (MIDUS) study, we tested whether IAPF and aperiodic exponent measured at rest predict cognitive function (N = 235; age at EEG recording M = 55.10, SD = 10.71) over 10 years. The IAPF and the aperiodic exponent interacted to predict decline in overall cognitive ability, even after controlling for age, sex, education, and lag between data collection time points. Post hoc tests showed that "mismatched" IAPF and aperiodic exponents (e.g., higher exponent with lower IAPF) predicted greater cognitive decline compared to "matching" IAPF and aperiodic exponents (e.g., higher exponent with higher IAPF; lower IAPF with lower aperiodic exponent). These effects were largely driven by measures of executive function. Our findings provide the first evidence that IAPF and the aperiodic exponent are joint predictors of cognitive decline from midlife into old age and thus may offer a useful clinical tool for predicting cognitive risk in aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna J Finley
- Institute on Aging, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53706
| | - Douglas J Angus
- School of Psychology, Bond University, Robina, Queensland 4226, Australia
| | - Erik L Knight
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado 80309
| | - Carien M van Reekum
- School of Psychology and Clinical Language Sciences, University of Reading, Reading RG6 6ES, United Kingdom
| | - Margie E Lachman
- Department of Psychology, Brandeis University, Waltham, Massachusetts 02453
| | - Richard J Davidson
- Center for Healthy Minds, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53706
| | - Stacey M Schaefer
- Institute on Aging, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53706
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Alrosan AZ, Heilat GB, Alrosan K, Aleikish AA, Rabbaa AN, Shakhatreh AM, Alshalout EM, Al Momany EM. Autonomic brain functioning and age-related health concerns. Curr Res Physiol 2024; 7:100123. [PMID: 38510918 PMCID: PMC10950753 DOI: 10.1016/j.crphys.2024.100123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2024] [Revised: 03/02/2024] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
The autonomic nervous system (ANS) regulates involuntary bodily functions such as blood pressure, heart rate, breathing, and digestion, in addition to controlling motivation and behavior. In older adults, the ANS is dysregulated, which changes the ability of the ANS to respond to physiological signals, regulate cardiovascular autonomic functionality, diminish gastric motility, and exacerbate sleep problems. For example, a decrease in heart rate variability, or the variation in the interval between heartbeats, is one of the most well-known alterations in the ANS associated with health issues, including cardiovascular diseases and cognitive decline. The inability to perform fundamental activities of daily living and compromising the physiological reactivity or motivational responses of older adults to moving toward or away from specific environmental stimuli are significant negative consequences of chronic and geriatric conditions that pose grave threats to autonomy, health, and well-being. The most updated research has investigated the associations between the action responsiveness of older adults and the maintenance of their physiological and physical health or the development of mental and physical health problems. Once autonomic dysfunction may significantly influence the development of different age-related diseases, including ischemic stroke, cardiovascular disease, and autoimmune diseases, this review aimed to assess the relationship between aging and autonomic functions. The review explored how motivational responses, physiological reactivity, cognitive processes, and lifelong developmental changes associated with aging impact the ANS and contribute to the emergence of health problems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amjad Z. Alrosan
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The Hashemite University, Zarqa, 13133, Jordan
| | - Ghaith B. Heilat
- Department of General Surgery and Urology, Faculty of Medicine, The Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, 22110, Jordan
| | - Khaled Alrosan
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The Hashemite University, Zarqa, 13133, Jordan
| | - Abrar A. Aleikish
- Master of Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, The Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, 22110, Jordan
| | - Aya N. Rabbaa
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The Hashemite University, Zarqa, 13133, Jordan
| | - Aseel M. Shakhatreh
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, The Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, 22110, Jordan
| | - Ehab M. Alshalout
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The Hashemite University, Zarqa, 13133, Jordan
| | - Enaam M.A. Al Momany
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The Hashemite University, Zarqa, 13133, Jordan
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Nicolini P, Malfatto G, Lucchi T. Heart Rate Variability and Cognition: A Narrative Systematic Review of Longitudinal Studies. J Clin Med 2024; 13:280. [PMID: 38202287 PMCID: PMC10780278 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13010280] [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: 11/05/2023] [Revised: 12/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Heart rate variability (HRV) is a reliable and convenient method to assess autonomic function. Cross-sectional studies have established a link between HRV and cognition. Longitudinal studies are an emerging area of research with important clinical implications in terms of the predictive value of HRV for future cognition and in terms of the potential causal relationship between HRV and cognition. However, they have not yet been the objective of a systematic review. Therefore, the aim of this systematic review was to investigate the association between HRV and cognition in longitudinal studies. METHODS The review was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The Embase, PsycINFO and PubMed databases were searched from the earliest available date to 26 June 2023. Studies were included if they involved adult human subjects and evaluated the longitudinal association between HRV and cognition. The risk of bias was assessed with the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale for Cohort Studies. The results were presented narratively. RESULTS Of 14,359 records screened, 12 studies were included in this systematic review, with a total of 24,390 participants. Two thirds of the studies were published from 2020 onwards. All studies found a longitudinal relationship between HRV and cognition. There was a consistent association between higher parasympathetic nervous system (PNS) activity and better cognition, and some association between higher sympathetic nervous system activity and worse cognition. Also, higher PNS activity persistently predicted better executive functioning, while data on episodic memory and language were more scant and/or controversial. CONCLUSIONS Our results support the role of HRV as a biomarker of future cognition and, potentially, as a therapeutic target to improve cognition. They will need confirmation by further, more comprehensive studies also including unequivocal non-HRV sympathetic measures and meta-analyses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Nicolini
- Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Geriatric Unit, Internal Medicine Department, 20122 Milan, Italy;
| | - Gabriella Malfatto
- Istituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCS, Department of Cardiovascular, Neural and Metabolic Sciences, Ospedale San Luca, 20149 Milan, Italy;
| | - Tiziano Lucchi
- Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Geriatric Unit, Internal Medicine Department, 20122 Milan, Italy;
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Riganello F, Vatrano M, Tonin P, Cerasa A, Cortese MD. Heart Rate Complexity and Autonomic Modulation Are Associated with Psychological Response Inhibition in Healthy Subjects. ENTROPY (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 25:152. [PMID: 36673293 PMCID: PMC9857955 DOI: 10.3390/e25010152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Revised: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND the ability to suppress/regulate impulsive reactions has been identified as common factor underlying the performance in all executive function tasks. We analyzed the HRV signals (power of high (HF) and low (LF) frequency, Sample Entropy (SampEn), and Complexity Index (CI)) during the execution of cognitive tests to assess flexibility, inhibition abilities, and rule learning. METHODS we enrolled thirty-six healthy subjects, recording five minutes of resting state and two tasks of increasing complexity based on 220 visual stimuli with 12 × 12 cm red and white squares on a black background. RESULTS at baseline, CI was negatively correlated with age, and LF was negatively correlated with SampEn. In Task 1, the CI and LF/HF were negatively correlated with errors. In Task 2, the reaction time positively correlated with the CI and the LF/HF ratio errors. Using a binary logistic regression model, age, CI, and LF/HF ratio classified performance groups with a sensitivity and specificity of 73 and 71%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS this study performed an important initial exploration in defining the complex relationship between CI, sympathovagal balance, and age in regulating impulsive reactions during cognitive tests. Our approach could be applied in assessing cognitive decline, providing additional information on the brain-heart interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Paolo Tonin
- S. Anna Institute, Via Siris 11, 88900 Crotone, Italy
| | - Antonio Cerasa
- S. Anna Institute, Via Siris 11, 88900 Crotone, Italy
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation (IRIB), National Research Council of Italy (CNR), 98100 Messina, Italy
- Pharmacotechnology Documentation and Transfer Unit, Preclinical and Translational Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacy, Health Science and Nutrition, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, Italy
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Perlman G, Cogo-Moreira H, Wu CY, Herrmann N, Swardfager W. Depression interacts with allostatic load to predict cognitive decline in middle age. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2022; 146:105922. [PMID: 36150368 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2022.105922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2022] [Revised: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Allostatic load (AL) indicates the cumulative impact of stress on homeostatic mechanisms. Depression and AL have been associated with cognitive deficits, but it is unclear if they do so independently. METHODS Using data from middle-aged participants in the observational longitudinal Midlife in the United States (MIDUS) study (n = 704, 57.5 % female, 63.8 ± 10.6 years old in 2014), we assessed whether the effect of prior depression (Composite International Diagnostic Interview Short-Form in 1995) on cognitive decline between 2004 and 2013 (composite Z-scores derived from the Brief Test of Adult Cognition by Telephone and the Stop & Go Switch Task) was moderated by AL Z-scores in 2004 (calculated from biomarkers in blood, urine, and electrocardiography). RESULTS A significant depression × AL interaction predicted a decline in a composite cognitive score (β = -0.066, SE=0.029, p = 0.024) and executive function (β = -0.068, SE=0.025, p = 0.007). Depression predicted a decline in composite cognition among those with AL Z-scores above - 0.055. AL subdomains of inflammation and lipid metabolism showed evidence of moderation. CONCLUSION Middle-aged adults with depression who had higher allostatic load were at greater risk of cognitive decline. Future studies should evaluate whether the interaction predicts incident dementia, and whether interventions targeting depression or elevated AL in people who have both can attenuate cognitive decline.
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Affiliation(s)
- George Perlman
- Hurvitz Brain Sciences Program, Sunnybrook Research Institute, 2075 Bayview Avenue, Toronto M4N 3M5, Canada; Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, University of Toronto, 1 King's College Circle, Toronto M5S 1A8, Canada; Sleep and Cardiopulmonary Program, University Health Network - Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, 347 Rumsey Road, Toronto M4G 2V6, Canada
| | - Hugo Cogo-Moreira
- Department of Education, ICT and Learning, Østfold University College, P.O.Box 700, NO-1757, Halden, Norway
| | - Che-Yuan Wu
- Hurvitz Brain Sciences Program, Sunnybrook Research Institute, 2075 Bayview Avenue, Toronto M4N 3M5, Canada; Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, University of Toronto, 1 King's College Circle, Toronto M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Nathan Herrmann
- Hurvitz Brain Sciences Program, Sunnybrook Research Institute, 2075 Bayview Avenue, Toronto M4N 3M5, Canada; Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, 250 College Street, Toronto M5T 1R8, Canada
| | - Walter Swardfager
- Hurvitz Brain Sciences Program, Sunnybrook Research Institute, 2075 Bayview Avenue, Toronto M4N 3M5, Canada; Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, University of Toronto, 1 King's College Circle, Toronto M5S 1A8, Canada; Sleep and Cardiopulmonary Program, University Health Network - Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, 347 Rumsey Road, Toronto M4G 2V6, Canada.
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Nicolini P, Lucchi T, Abbate C, Inglese S, Tomasini E, Mari D, Rossi PD, Vicenzi M. Autonomic function predicts cognitive decline in mild cognitive impairment: Evidence from power spectral analysis of heart rate variability in a longitudinal study. Front Aging Neurosci 2022; 14:886023. [PMID: 36185491 PMCID: PMC9520613 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2022.886023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Despite the emerging clinical relevance of heart rate variability (HRV) as a potential biomarker of cognitive decline and as a candidate target for intervention, there is a dearth of research on the prospective relationship between HRV and cognitive change. In particular, no study has addressed this issue in subjects with a diagnosis of cognitive status including cognitive impairment. Objective To investigate HRV as a predictor of cognitive decline in subjects with normal cognition (NC) or Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI). Specifically, we tested the literature-based hypothesis that the HRV response to different physical challenges would predict decline in different cognitive domains. Methods This longitudinal study represents the approximately 3-year follow-up of a previous cross-sectional study enrolling 80 older outpatients (aged ≥ 65). At baseline, power spectral analysis of HRV was performed on five-minute electrocardiographic recordings at rest and during a sympathetic (active standing) and a parasympathetic (paced breathing) challenge. We focused on normalized HRV measures [normalized low frequency power (LFn) and the low frequency to high frequency power ratio (LF/HF)] and on their dynamic response from rest to challenge (Δ HRV). Extensive neuropsychological testing was used to diagnose cognitive status at baseline and to evaluate cognitive change over the follow-up via annualized changes in cognitive Z-scores. The association between Δ HRV and cognitive change was explored by means of linear regression, unadjusted and adjusted for potential confounders. Results In subjects diagnosed with MCI at baseline a greater response to a sympathetic challenge predicted a greater decline in episodic memory [adjusted model: Δ LFn, standardized regression coefficient (β) = −0.528, p = 0.019; Δ LF/HF, β = −0.643, p = 0.001] whereas a greater response to a parasympathetic challenge predicted a lesser decline in executive functioning (adjusted model: Δ LFn, β = −0.716, p < 0.001; Δ LF/HF, β = −0.935, p < 0.001). Conclusion Our findings provide novel insight into the link between HRV and cognition in MCI. They contribute to a better understanding of the heart-brain connection, but will require replication in larger cohorts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Nicolini
- Geriatric Unit, Internal Medicine Department, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
- *Correspondence: Paola Nicolini,
| | - Tiziano Lucchi
- Geriatric Unit, Internal Medicine Department, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Carlo Abbate
- Geriatric Unit, Internal Medicine Department, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
- IRCCS Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi, Milan, Italy
| | - Silvia Inglese
- Geriatric Unit, Internal Medicine Department, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Emanuele Tomasini
- Geriatric Unit, Internal Medicine Department, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
- IRCCS Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi, Milan, Italy
| | - Daniela Mari
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Paolo D. Rossi
- Geriatric Unit, Internal Medicine Department, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Marco Vicenzi
- Dyspnea Lab, Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
- Cardiovascular Disease Unit, Internal Medicine Department, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
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Deepeshwar S, Budhi RB. Slow yoga breathing improves mental load in working memory performance and cardiac activity among yoga practitioners. Front Psychol 2022; 13:968858. [PMID: 36186291 PMCID: PMC9516310 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.968858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
This study investigated the immediate effect of slow yoga breathing (SYB) at 6 breaths per minute (bpm) simultaneously on working memory performance and heart rate variability (HRV) in yoga practitioners. A total of 40 healthy male volunteers performed a working memory task, ‘n-back’, consisting of three levels of difficulty, 0-back, 1-back, and 2-back, separately, before and after three SYB sessions on different days. The SYB sessions included alternate nostril breathing (ANB), right nostril breathing (RNB), and breath awareness (BAW). Repeated measures analysis of variance showed a significant reduction in reaction time (ms) in 2-back condition immediately after ANB (−8%), RNB (−8%) and BAW (−5%) practices. Similarly, the accuracy was improved in the 0-back condition after RNB (4%), and in the 2-back condition after ANB (6%) and RNB (6%) practices. These results suggest that SYB practice enhances cognitive abilities (8–9%) related to memory load and improves the functioning of cardiac autonomic activity, which is required for the successful completion of mental tasks.Trial registered in the Clinical Trials Registry of India (CTRI/2018/01/011132).
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Beyond mindfulness: Arousal-driven modulation of attentional control during arousal-based practices. CURRENT RESEARCH IN NEUROBIOLOGY 2022; 3:100053. [PMID: 36246552 PMCID: PMC9559070 DOI: 10.1016/j.crneur.2022.100053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Here we report meditative techniques, which modulate attentional control by arousal-driven influences and not by monitoring continuous thought processes as during mindfulness-related practices. We focus on Vajrayana (Tantric Buddhism) practices, during which a sequence of generation (self-visualization as a deity - Yidam) or completion with sign (inner heat -Tummo) stages necessarily precedes non-dual awareness (NDA) Tantric Mahamudra. We compared the electrocardiographic and electroencephalographic correlates of Mahamudra performed after rest (non-Tantric Mahamudra) with Mahamudra performed after Yidam (Tantric Mahamudra) in 16 highly experienced Vajrayana practitioners, 10 of whom also performed Tummo. Both Yidam and Tummo developed the state of PNS withdrawal (arousal) and phasic alertness, as reflected by HF HRV decreases and Alpha2 power increases, later neurophysiologically employed in Tantric Mahamudra. The latter led to the unique state of high cortical excitability, “non-selective” focused attention, and significantly reduced attentional control, quantified by power reductions in all frequency bands, except Theta. In contrast, similar to mindfulness-related practices, non-Tantric Mahamudra was performed in a state of PNS dominance (relaxation), tonic alertness, and active monitoring, as suggested by Alpha1 power increases and less pronounced decreases in other frequency bands. A neurobiological model of meditation is proposed, differentiating arousal-based and mindfulness-related practices. Arousal-based meditations involve the state of PNS withdrawal and phasic alertness. Top-down control during arousal-based practices is modulated by arousal. Mindfulness-based practices involve the state of PNS dominance and tonic alertness. Top-down control during mindfulness-based practices is regulated by monitoring. NDA practices aim at non-selectivity of attention and reduction of top-down control.
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Maroofi A, Moro T, Agrimi J, Safari F. Cognitive decline in heart failure: Biomolecular mechanisms and benefits of exercise. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2022; 1868:166511. [PMID: 35932891 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2022.166511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2022] [Revised: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
By definition, heart failure (HF) is a human pathological condition affecting the structure and function of all organs in the body, and the brain is not an exception to that. Failure of the heart to pump enough blood centrally and peripherally is at the foundation of HF patients' inability to attend even the most ordinary daily activities and progressive deterioration of their cognitive capacity. What is more, between heart and brain exists a bidirectional relationship that goes well beyond hemodynamics and concerns bioelectric and endocrine signaling. This increasingly consolidated evidence makes the scenario even more complex. Studies have mainly chased how HF impairs cognition without focusing much on preventive measures, notably cardio-cerebral health proxies. Here, we aim to provide a brief account of known and hypothetical factors that may explain how exercise can help obviate cognitive dysfunction associated with HF in its different forms. As we shall see, there is a stringent need for a deeper grasp of such mechanisms. Indeed, gaining this new knowledge will automatically shed new light on the inner workings of HF itself, thus resulting in more effective prevention and treatment of this escalating syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdulbaset Maroofi
- Department of Exercise Physiology, Faculty of Physical Education & Sport Sciences, University of Guilan, Rasht, Iran
| | - Tatiana Moro
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padua, 35131 Padua, Italy
| | - Jacopo Agrimi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padua, 35131 Padua, Italy.
| | - Fatemeh Safari
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran.
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Henn RE, Noureldein MH, Elzinga SE, Kim B, Savelieff MG, Feldman EL. Glial-neuron crosstalk in health and disease: A focus on metabolism, obesity, and cognitive impairment. Neurobiol Dis 2022; 170:105766. [PMID: 35584728 PMCID: PMC10071699 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2022.105766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Revised: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Dementia is a complex set of disorders affecting normal cognitive function. Recently, several clinical studies have shown that diabetes, obesity, and components of the metabolic syndrome (MetS) are associated with cognitive impairment, including dementias such as Alzheimer's disease. Maintaining normal cognitive function is an intricate process involving coordination of neuron function with multiple brain glia. Well-orchestrated bioenergetics is a central requirement of neurons, which need large amounts of energy but lack significant energy storage capacity. Thus, one of the most important glial functions is to provide metabolic support and ensure an adequate energy supply for neurons. Obesity and metabolic disease dysregulate glial function, leading to a failure to respond to neuron energy demands, which results in neuronal damage. In this review, we outline evidence for links between diabetes, obesity, and MetS components to cognitive impairment. Next, we focus on the metabolic crosstalk between the three major glial cell types, oligodendrocytes, astrocytes, and microglia, with neurons under physiological conditions. Finally, we outline how diabetes, obesity, and MetS components can disrupt glial function, and how this disruption might impair glia-neuron metabolic crosstalk and ultimately promote cognitive impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosemary E Henn
- NeuroNetwork for Emerging Therapies, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States of America; Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States of America.
| | - Mohamed H Noureldein
- NeuroNetwork for Emerging Therapies, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States of America; Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States of America.
| | - Sarah E Elzinga
- NeuroNetwork for Emerging Therapies, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States of America; Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States of America.
| | - Bhumsoo Kim
- NeuroNetwork for Emerging Therapies, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States of America; Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States of America.
| | - Masha G Savelieff
- NeuroNetwork for Emerging Therapies, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States of America.
| | - Eva L Feldman
- NeuroNetwork for Emerging Therapies, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States of America; Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States of America.
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Gordon I, Horesh D, Milstein N, Tomashin A, Mayo O, Korisky A. Pre-pandemic autonomic nervous system activity predicts mood regulation expectancies during COVID-19 in Israel. Psychophysiology 2021; 58:e13910. [PMID: 34329495 PMCID: PMC8420474 DOI: 10.1111/psyp.13910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Revised: 07/04/2021] [Accepted: 07/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Despite the unfolding impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on psychological well‐being, there is a lack of prospective studies that target physiological markers of distress. There is a need to examine physiological predictors from the pre‐pandemic period to identify and treat individuals at‐risk. In this study, our aim was to use pre‐pandemic markers of autonomic nervous system (ANS) parasympathetic and sympathetic regulation to predict individuals' psychological well‐being during the crisis. We also assessed the role of mood regulation expectancies as a mediator of the association between pre‐pandemic physiological measures and COVID‐related well‐being. In May to June 2020, 185 Israeli adults completed online questionnaires assessing their mood regulation expectancies since COVID‐19 began, and their current well‐being. These individuals had participated in lab studies 1.5–3 years prior to this assessment, where their physiological measures were taken, including respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA) and skin conductance level (SCL). RSA was positively related to mood regulation expectancies during COVID‐19 (b = 3.46, 95% CI [0.84, 6.05]). Mood regulation expectancies, in turn, positively predicted well‐being during the crisis (b = 0.021, 95% CI [0.016, 0.027]). The mediation was significant and moderated by SCL (index = −0.09, 95% CI [−0.02, −0.0001]), such that it was strongest for individuals with low SCL. We point to pre‐pandemic physiological mechanisms underlying individuals' mental well‐being during the COVID‐19 pandemic. These findings have theoretical, diagnostic, and clinical implications that may refine our understanding of the physiological basis of resilience to the COVID‐19 pandemic and thus may be implemented to identify and assist individuals in these times. Our study offers a unique psychophysiological approach to predicting mood regulation and mental well‐being during COVID‐19 from pre‐pandemic resting physiological activity. We show that pre‐pandemic markers of the autonomic nervous system, which were collected during routine 2–3 years prior to the pandemic, allow us to prospectively understand emotion regulation and well‐being during COVID‐19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilanit Gordon
- Department of Psychology, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, Israel.,The Gonda Multidisciplinary Brain Research Center, Bar Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, Israel
| | - Danny Horesh
- Department of Psychology, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, Israel.,Department of Psychiatry, Grossman School of Medicine, New York University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Nir Milstein
- Department of Psychology, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, Israel
| | - Alon Tomashin
- Department of Psychology, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, Israel.,The Gonda Multidisciplinary Brain Research Center, Bar Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, Israel
| | - Oded Mayo
- Department of Psychology, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, Israel
| | - Adi Korisky
- The Gonda Multidisciplinary Brain Research Center, Bar Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, Israel
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Suh M. [Influences of Autonomic Function, Salivary Cortisol and Physical Activity on Cognitive Functions in Institutionalized Older Adults with Mild Cognitive Impairment: Based on Neurovisceral Integration Model]. J Korean Acad Nurs 2021; 51:294-304. [PMID: 34215708 DOI: 10.4040/jkan.20282] [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: 12/11/2020] [Revised: 05/07/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study aimed to investigate objectively measured physical activity (PA) in institutionalized older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and to elucidate the influence of autonomic nervous function, salivary cortisol, and PA on cognitive functions based on neurovisceral integration model. METHODS Overall cognitive function was evaluated using the mini-mental state examination (MMSE) and executive function was evaluated using semantic verbal fluency test and clock drawing test. Actigraph for PA, HRV and sAA for autonomous function, and the geriatric depression scale for depression were used. Saliva specimens were collected in the morning for sAA and cortisol. RESULTS Ninety-eight older adults from four regional geriatric hospitals participated in the study. They took 4,499 steps per day on average. They spent 753.93 minutes and 23.12 minutes on average in sedentary and moderate-to-vigorous activity, respectively. In the multiple regression analysis, lower salivary cortisol level (β = - .33, p = .041) and greater step counts (β = .37, p = .029) significantly improved MMSE score. Greater step count (β = .27, p = .016) also exerted a significant influence on verbal fluency, and greater sAA (β = .35, p = .026) was significantly associated with a better clock drawing test result. CONCLUSION Salivary cortisol, sAA and physical activity were significantly associated with cognitive functions. To prevent older adults from developing dementia, strategies are needed to increase their overall PA amount by decreasing sedentary time and to decrease salivary cortisol for cognitive function, and to maintain their sympathetic nervous activity for executive function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minhee Suh
- Department of Nursing, College of Medicine, Inha University, Incheon, Korea.
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