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Gentile F, Orlando G, Montuoro S, Ferrari Chen YF, Macefield V, Passino C, Giannoni A, Emdin M. Treating heart failure by targeting the vagus nerve. Heart Fail Rev 2024:10.1007/s10741-024-10430-w. [PMID: 39117958 DOI: 10.1007/s10741-024-10430-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/28/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024]
Abstract
Increased sympathetic and reduced parasympathetic nerve activity is associated with disease progression and poor outcomes in patients with chronic heart failure. The demonstration that markers of autonomic imbalance and vagal dysfunction, such as reduced heart rate variability and baroreflex sensitivity, hold prognostic value in patients with chronic heart failure despite modern therapies encourages the research for neuromodulation strategies targeting the vagus nerve. However, the approaches tested so far have yielded inconclusive results. This review aims to summarize the current knowledge about the role of the parasympathetic nervous system in chronic heart failure, describing the pathophysiological background, the methods of assessment, and the rationale, limits, and future perspectives of parasympathetic stimulation either by drugs or bioelectronic devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Gentile
- Health Science Interdisciplinary Center, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Piazza Martiri Della Libertà 33, 56127, Pisa, Italy.
- Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine Division, Fondazione Monasterio, Via G. Moruzzi 1, 56124, Pisa, Italy.
| | - Giulia Orlando
- Health Science Interdisciplinary Center, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Piazza Martiri Della Libertà 33, 56127, Pisa, Italy
| | - Sabrina Montuoro
- Health Science Interdisciplinary Center, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Piazza Martiri Della Libertà 33, 56127, Pisa, Italy
| | - Yu Fu Ferrari Chen
- Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine Division, Fondazione Monasterio, Via G. Moruzzi 1, 56124, Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Claudio Passino
- Health Science Interdisciplinary Center, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Piazza Martiri Della Libertà 33, 56127, Pisa, Italy
- Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine Division, Fondazione Monasterio, Via G. Moruzzi 1, 56124, Pisa, Italy
| | - Alberto Giannoni
- Health Science Interdisciplinary Center, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Piazza Martiri Della Libertà 33, 56127, Pisa, Italy
- Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine Division, Fondazione Monasterio, Via G. Moruzzi 1, 56124, Pisa, Italy
| | - Michele Emdin
- Health Science Interdisciplinary Center, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Piazza Martiri Della Libertà 33, 56127, Pisa, Italy
- Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine Division, Fondazione Monasterio, Via G. Moruzzi 1, 56124, Pisa, Italy
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Wu Y, Song M, Wu M, Lin L. Advances in device-based treatment of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction: evidence from clinical trials. ESC Heart Fail 2024; 11:13-27. [PMID: 37986663 PMCID: PMC10804156 DOI: 10.1002/ehf2.14562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Revised: 09/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is a group of clinical syndromes that exhibit a remarkably heterogeneous phenotype, characterized by symptoms and signs of heart failure, left ventricular diastolic dysfunction, elevated levels of natriuretic peptides, and an ejection fraction greater than or equal to 50%. With the aging of the population and the escalating prevalence of hypertension, obesity, and diabetes, the incidence of HFpEF is progressively rising. Drug therapy options for HFpEF are currently limited, and the associated high risk of cardiovascular mortality and heart failure rehospitalization significantly impact patients' quality of life and longevity while imposing a substantial economic burden on society. Recent research indicates that certain device-based therapies may serve as valuable adjuncts to drug therapy in patients with specific phenotypes of HFpEF, effectively improving symptoms and quality of life while reducing the risk of readmission for heart failure. These include inter-atrial shunt and greater splanchnic nerve ablation to reduce left ventricular filling pressure, implantable heart failure monitor to guide diuresis, left atrial pacing to correct interatrial dyssynchrony, cardiac contractility modulation to enhance cardiac calcium handling, as well as renal denervation, baroreflex activation therapy, and vagus nerve stimulation to restore the autonomic imbalance. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of the mechanisms and clinical evidence pertaining to these devices, with the aim of enhancing therapeutic strategies for HFpEF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Wu
- Department of CardiologyAffiliated Hospital of Putian University, School of Clinical Medicine, Fujian Medical UniversityPutianChina
| | - Meiyan Song
- Department of CardiologyAffiliated Hospital of Putian University, School of Clinical Medicine, Fujian Medical UniversityPutianChina
| | - Meifang Wu
- Department of CardiologyAffiliated Hospital of Putian University, School of Clinical Medicine, Fujian Medical UniversityPutianChina
| | - Liming Lin
- Department of CardiologyAffiliated Hospital of Putian University, School of Clinical Medicine, Fujian Medical UniversityPutianChina
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Triposkiadis F, Sarafidis P, Briasoulis A, Magouliotis DE, Athanasiou T, Skoularigis J, Xanthopoulos A. Hypertensive Heart Failure. J Clin Med 2023; 12:5090. [PMID: 37568493 PMCID: PMC10419453 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12155090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite overwhelming epidemiological evidence, the contribution of hypertension (HTN) to heart failure (HF) development has been undermined in current clinical practice. This is because approximately half of HF patients have been labeled as suffering from HF with preserved left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction (EF) (HFpEF), with HTN, obesity, and diabetes mellitus (DM) being considered virtually equally responsible for its development. However, this suggestion is obviously inaccurate, since HTN is by far the most frequent and devastating morbidity present in HFpEF. Further, HF development in obesity or DM is rare in the absence of HTN or coronary artery disease (CAD), whereas HTN often causes HF per se. Finally, unlike HTN, for most major comorbidities present in HFpEF, including anemia, chronic kidney disease, pulmonary disease, DM, atrial fibrillation, sleep apnea, and depression, it is unknown whether they precede HF or result from it. The purpose of this paper is to provide a contemporary overview on hypertensive HF, with a special emphasis on its inflammatory nature and association with autonomic nervous system (ANS) imbalance, since both are of pathophysiologic and therapeutic interest.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Pantelis Sarafidis
- Department of Nephrology, Hippokration Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Alexandros Briasoulis
- Department of Therapeutics, Heart Failure and Cardio-Oncology Clinic, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Dimitrios E. Magouliotis
- Unit of Quality Improvement, Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, University of Thessaly, 41110 Larissa, Greece
| | - Thanos Athanasiou
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, St Mary’s Hospital, London W2 1NY, UK
| | - John Skoularigis
- Department of Cardiology, University Hospital of Larissa, 41110 Larissa, Greece
| | - Andrew Xanthopoulos
- Department of Cardiology, University Hospital of Larissa, 41110 Larissa, Greece
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Elsliger S, Saucier J, Schneider A, El Helou A. Spinal cord stimulation for refractory pericarditis: a case report and a review of the mechanism of action. FRONTIERS IN PAIN RESEARCH 2023; 4:1174044. [PMID: 37476333 PMCID: PMC10354338 DOI: 10.3389/fpain.2023.1174044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Background and objectives In recent years, spinal cord stimulation (SCS) has emerged as a promising management option for chronic pain of multiple etiologies. While its effectiveness has been strongly suggested in many patients, the exact mechanism of action of SCS is incompletely understood. This article reviews the leading mechanisms underlying the analgesic and cardiovascular effects of SCS and reports its novel benefits in a case of recurrent pericarditis. Literature review Throughout history, the analgesic properties of SCS were thought to arise via stimulation of the spinothalamic tract. Although this mechanism has been thoroughly reported, new research and patient outcomes from SCS have revealed various additional properties that cannot be fully explained by this mechanism alone. Evidence suggests that SCS enhances calcitonin gene-related peptide release and modulates inflammatory cytokine secretion, sympathetic tone, and inhibitory neurotransmitter secretion. These distinct mechanisms likely collectively contribute to the therapeutic effects of SCS on the cardiovascular system and pain management. Case report We report the case of a 48-year-old male patient with recurrent pericarditis, characterized by refractory angina-like pain and reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). After 1 year of having a spinal cord stimulator implanted, the patient is free from pain and narcotics, with a reduction of 428 mg equivalent dose of morphine. The patient's LVEF increased from 40% to 45% without changes to his previous medical treatment. This is the first reported case of refractory pericarditis managed with spinal cord stimulation. Conclusion Recognizing the improved pain management, reduced narcotic usage, and improved LVEF in our patient following SCS is critical to paving the way toward a complete understanding of the mechanism of action of SCS. This case reveals the therapeutic potential of SCS for cardiovascular pathologies other than refractory angina pectoris.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Elsliger
- Centre de Formation Medicale du Nouveau Brunswick, Universite de Sherbrook, Moncton, NB, Canada
| | - Jacob Saucier
- Centre de Formation Medicale du Nouveau Brunswick, Universite de Sherbrook, Moncton, NB, Canada
| | - Andre Schneider
- Centre de Formation Medicale du Nouveau Brunswick, Universite de Sherbrook, Moncton, NB, Canada
- Department of Anesthesia and Pain Medicine, Vitalite Health Network, Bathurst, NB, Canada
| | - Antonios El Helou
- Centre de Formation Medicale du Nouveau Brunswick, Universite de Sherbrook, Moncton, NB, Canada
- Division of Neurosurgery, Horizon Health Network, Moncton, NB, Canada
- Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John’s, NL, Canada
- Faculty of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
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Popa IP, Haba MȘC, Mărănducă MA, Tănase DM, Șerban DN, Șerban LI, Iliescu R, Tudorancea I. Modern Approaches for the Treatment of Heart Failure: Recent Advances and Future Perspectives. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:1964. [PMID: 36145711 PMCID: PMC9503448 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14091964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2022] [Revised: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Heart failure (HF) is a progressively deteriorating medical condition that significantly reduces both the patients' life expectancy and quality of life. Even though real progress was made in the past decades in the discovery of novel pharmacological treatments for HF, the prevention of premature deaths has only been marginally alleviated. Despite the availability of a plethora of pharmaceutical approaches, proper management of HF is still challenging. Thus, a myriad of experimental and clinical studies focusing on the discovery of new and provocative underlying mechanisms of HF physiopathology pave the way for the development of novel HF therapeutic approaches. Furthermore, recent technological advances made possible the development of various interventional techniques and device-based approaches for the treatment of HF. Since many of these modern approaches interfere with various well-known pathological mechanisms in HF, they have a real ability to complement and or increase the efficiency of existing medications and thus improve the prognosis and survival rate of HF patients. Their promising and encouraging results reported to date compel the extension of heart failure treatment beyond the classical view. The aim of this review was to summarize modern approaches, new perspectives, and future directions for the treatment of HF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Paula Popa
- Cardiology Clinic, “St. Spiridon” County Clinical Emergency Hospital, 700111 Iași, Romania
| | - Mihai Ștefan Cristian Haba
- Cardiology Clinic, “St. Spiridon” County Clinical Emergency Hospital, 700111 Iași, Romania
- Department of Internal Medicine, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iași, Romania
| | - Minela Aida Mărănducă
- Department of Physiology, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iași, Romania
| | - Daniela Maria Tănase
- Department of Internal Medicine, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iași, Romania
- Internal Medicine Clinic, “St. Spiridon” County Clinical Emergency Hospital, 700115 Iași, Romania
| | - Dragomir N. Șerban
- Department of Physiology, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iași, Romania
| | - Lăcrămioara Ionela Șerban
- Department of Physiology, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iași, Romania
| | - Radu Iliescu
- Department of Pharmacology, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iași, Romania
| | - Ionuț Tudorancea
- Cardiology Clinic, “St. Spiridon” County Clinical Emergency Hospital, 700111 Iași, Romania
- Department of Physiology, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iași, Romania
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