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Kim KJ, Hwang J, Lee KW, Kim J, Han Y, Namgung U. Neuron-Microglia Interaction is Involved in Anti-inflammatory Response by Vagus Nerve Stimulation in the Prefrontal Cortex of Rats Injected with Polyinosinic:Polycytidylic Acid. Mol Neurobiol 2024; 61:7403-7418. [PMID: 38383920 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-024-04054-2] [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: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
Injection of polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid (poly(I:C)) into experimental animals induces neuroimmunological responses and thus has been used for the study of neurological disorders such as anxiety, depression, and chronic fatigue. Here, we investigated the effects of vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) on poly(I:C)-induced neuroinflammation and associated behavioral consequences in rats. The microglia in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) displayed the activated form of morphology in poly(I:C)-injected rats and changed to a normal shape after acute VNS (aVNS). Production of phospho-NF-κB, phospho-IκB, IL-1β, and cleaved caspase 3 was elevated by poly(I:C) and downregulated by aVNS. In contrast, phospho-Akt levels were decreased by poly(I:C) and increased by aVNS. Neuronal production of fractalkine (CX3CL1) in the PFC was markedly reduced by poly(I:C), but recovered by aVNS. Fractalkine interaction with its receptor CX3CR1 was highly elevated by VNS. We further demonstrated that the pharmacological blockade of CX3CR1 activity counteracted the production of IL-1β, phospho-Akt, and cleaved form of caspase 3 that was modulated by VNS, suggesting the anti-inflammatory effects of fractalkine-CX3CR1 signaling as a mediator of neuron-microglia interaction. Behavioral assessments of pain and temperature sensations by von Frey and hot/cold plate tests showed significant improvement by chronic VNS (cVNS) and forced swimming and marble burying tests revealed that the depressive-like behaviors caused by poly(I:C) injection were rescued by cVNS. We also found that the recognition memory which was impaired by poly(I:C) administration was improved by cVNS. This study suggests that VNS may play a role in regulating neuroinflammation and somatosensory and cognitive functions in poly(I:C)-injected animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ki-Joong Kim
- Department of Korean Medicine, Institute of Bioscience and Integrative Medicine, Daejeon University, Daehak‑ro 62, Daejeon, 34520, South Korea
| | - Jinyeon Hwang
- Department of Korean Medicine, Institute of Bioscience and Integrative Medicine, Daejeon University, Daehak‑ro 62, Daejeon, 34520, South Korea
| | - Kang-Woo Lee
- Department of Korean Medicine, Institute of Bioscience and Integrative Medicine, Daejeon University, Daehak‑ro 62, Daejeon, 34520, South Korea
| | - Jieun Kim
- Department of Korean Medicine, Institute of Bioscience and Integrative Medicine, Daejeon University, Daehak‑ro 62, Daejeon, 34520, South Korea
| | - Yunha Han
- Department of Korean Medicine, Institute of Bioscience and Integrative Medicine, Daejeon University, Daehak‑ro 62, Daejeon, 34520, South Korea
| | - Uk Namgung
- Department of Korean Medicine, Institute of Bioscience and Integrative Medicine, Daejeon University, Daehak‑ro 62, Daejeon, 34520, South Korea.
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Zhang H, Zhao Y, Qu Y, Du J, Peng Y. Transcutaneous Cervical Vagus Nerve Magnetic Stimulation in Patients With Traumatic Brain Injury: A Feasibility Study. Neuromodulation 2024; 27:672-680. [PMID: 37865889 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurom.2023.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Revised: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/23/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation has shown promising results in improving cognitive and motor function after stroke. However, to our knowledge, there have been no studies in the modulation of the cervical vagus nerve using repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) in patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) with cognitive dysfunction. Thus, we conducted a single-arm feasibility trial to assess the safety and effectiveness of rTMS of the vagus nerve in patients with TBI. MATERIALS AND METHODS We enrolled ten patients with TBI and administered half-hour vagus nerve magnetic stimulation (VNMS) sessions for ten days to evaluate the feasibility of the treatment. The Montreal cognitive assessment-Beijing (MoCA-B), the Digit Span Test, and the Auditory Verbal Learning Test (AVLT) were used to measure cognitive function before and after the VNMS treatment. Physiological parameters of all subjects were assessed by electrocardiogram. RESULTS The findings showed that daily half-hour VNMS for ten days was feasible in patients with TBI, with minimal side effects and no clinically significant effects on physiological parameters. Eight patients showed improvement in MoCA-B, and five patients showed improvement in immediate memory as measured by AVLT. CONCLUSIONS We conclude that VNMS is a safe and feasible treatment option for patients with TBI with cognitive dysfunction. However, further controlled studies are necessary to establish the efficacy of VNMS in promoting cognitive recovery after TBI. SIGNIFICANCE This study is, to our knowledge, the first study to investigate the feasibility of VNMS for cognitive dysfunction in patients with TBI. Our findings offer the possibility of rTMS applied to the vagus nerve in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han Zhang
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The Second Clinical Medical College of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong Central Hospital, Nanchong, Sichuan, China; Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China; College of Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation, North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, Sichuan, China
| | - Yu Zhao
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The Second Clinical Medical College of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong Central Hospital, Nanchong, Sichuan, China; College of Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation, North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, Sichuan, China
| | - Yun Qu
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.
| | - Juan Du
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The Second Clinical Medical College of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong Central Hospital, Nanchong, Sichuan, China
| | - Yi Peng
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The Second Clinical Medical College of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong Central Hospital, Nanchong, Sichuan, China
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Berthoud HR, Münzberg H, Morrison CD, Neuhuber WL. Hepatic interoception in health and disease. Auton Neurosci 2024; 253:103174. [PMID: 38579493 PMCID: PMC11129274 DOI: 10.1016/j.autneu.2024.103174] [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: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024]
Abstract
The liver is a large organ with crucial functions in metabolism and immune defense, as well as blood homeostasis and detoxification, and it is clearly in bidirectional communication with the brain and rest of the body via both neural and humoral pathways. A host of neural sensory mechanisms have been proposed, but in contrast to the gut-brain axis, details for both the exact site and molecular signaling steps of their peripheral transduction mechanisms are generally lacking. Similarly, knowledge about function-specific sensory and motor components of both vagal and spinal access pathways to the hepatic parenchyma is missing. Lack of progress largely owes to controversies regarding selectivity of vagal access pathways and extent of hepatocyte innervation. In contrast, there is considerable evidence for glucose sensors in the wall of the hepatic portal vein and their importance for glucose handling by the liver and the brain and the systemic response to hypoglycemia. As liver diseases are on the rise globally, and there are intriguing associations between liver diseases and mental illnesses, it will be important to further dissect and identify both neural and humoral pathways that mediate hepatocyte-specific signals to relevant brain areas. The question of whether and how sensations from the liver contribute to interoceptive self-awareness has not yet been explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hans-Rudolf Berthoud
- Neurobiology of Nutrition & Metabolism Department, Pennington Biomedical Research Center, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, USA.
| | - Heike Münzberg
- Neurobiology of Nutrition & Metabolism Department, Pennington Biomedical Research Center, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, USA
| | - Christopher D Morrison
- Neurobiology of Nutrition & Metabolism Department, Pennington Biomedical Research Center, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, USA
| | - Winfried L Neuhuber
- Institute for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Friedrich-Alexander University, Erlangen, Germany.
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Martínez-Meza S, Singh B, Nixon DF, Dopkins N, Gangcuangco LMA. The brain-liver cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway and viral infections. Bioelectron Med 2023; 9:29. [PMID: 38115148 PMCID: PMC10731847 DOI: 10.1186/s42234-023-00132-3] [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: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Efferent cholinergic signaling is a critical and targetable source of immunoregulation. The vagus nerve (VN) is the primary source of cholinergic signaling in the body, and partially innervates hepatic functionality through the liver-brain axis. Virus-induced disruption of cholinergic signaling may promote pathogenesis in hepatotropic and neurotropic viruses. Therefore, restoring VN functionality could be a novel therapeutic strategy to alleviate pathogenic inflammation in hepatotropic and neurotropic viral infections alike. In this minireview, we discuss the physiological importance of cholinergic signaling in maintaining liver-brain axis homeostasis. Next, we explore mechanisms by which the VN is perturbed by viral infections, and how non-invasive restoration of cholinergic signaling pathways with bioelectronic medicine (BEM) might ameliorate hepatic inflammation and neuroinflammation in certain viral infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Martínez-Meza
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Bhavya Singh
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Douglas F Nixon
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Nicholas Dopkins
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Louie Mar A Gangcuangco
- Hawaii Center for AIDS, Department of Medicine, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, HI, USA
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Erin N, Szallasi A. Carcinogenesis and Metastasis: Focus on TRPV1-Positive Neurons and Immune Cells. Biomolecules 2023; 13:983. [PMID: 37371563 DOI: 10.3390/biom13060983] [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: 03/14/2023] [Revised: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Both sensory neurons and immune cells, albeit at markedly different levels, express the vanilloid (capsaicin) receptor, Transient Receptor Potential, Vanilloid-1 (TRPV1). Activation of TRPV1 channels in sensory afferent nerve fibers induces local effector functions by releasing neuropeptides (most notably, substance P) which, in turn, trigger neurogenic inflammation. There is good evidence that chronic activation or inactivation of this inflammatory pathway can modify tumor growth and metastasis. TRPV1 expression was also demonstrated in a variety of mammalian immune cells, including lymphocytes, dendritic cells, macrophages and neutrophils. Therefore, the effects of TRPV1 agonists and antagonists may vary depending on the prominent cell type(s) activated and/or inhibited. Therefore, a comprehensive understanding of TRPV1 activity on immune cells and nerve endings in distinct locations is necessary to predict the outcome of therapies targeting TRPV1 channels. Here, we review the neuro-immune modulation of cancer growth and metastasis, with focus on the consequences of TRPV1 activation in nerve fibers and immune cells. Lastly, the potential use of TRPV1 modulators in cancer therapy is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nuray Erin
- Department of Medical Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Akdeniz University, Antalya 07070, Turkey
- Immuno-Pharmacology and Immuno-Oncology Unit, School of Medicine, Akdeniz University, Antalya 07070, Turkey
| | - Arpad Szallasi
- Department of Pathology and Experimental Cancer Research, Semmelweis University, H-1085 Budapest, Hungary
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Ahmed O, Caravaca AS, Crespo M, Dai W, Liu T, Guo Q, Leiva M, Sabio G, Shavva VS, Malin SG, Olofsson PS. Hepatic stellate cell activation markers are regulated by the vagus nerve in systemic inflammation. Bioelectron Med 2023; 9:6. [PMID: 36997988 PMCID: PMC10064698 DOI: 10.1186/s42234-023-00108-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 04/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The liver is an important immunological organ and liver inflammation is part of the pathophysiology of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, a condition that may promote cirrhosis, liver cancer, liver failure, and cardiovascular disease. Despite dense innervation of the liver parenchyma, little is known about neural regulation of liver function in inflammation. Here, we study vagus nerve control of the liver response to acute inflammation. METHODS Male C57BL/6 J mice were subjected to either sham surgery, surgical vagotomy, or electrical vagus nerve stimulation followed by intraperitoneal injection of the TLR2 agonist zymosan. Animals were euthanized and tissues collected 12 h after injection. Samples were analyzed by qPCR, RNAseq, flow cytometry, or ELISA. RESULTS Hepatic mRNA levels of pro-inflammatory mediators Ccl2, Il-1β, and Tnf-α were significantly higher in vagotomized mice compared with mice subjected to sham surgery. Differences in liver Ccl2 levels between treatment groups were largely reflected in the plasma chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 2 (CCL2) concentration. In line with this, we observed a higher number of macrophages in the livers of vagotomized mice compared with sham as measured by flow cytometry. In mice subjected to electrical vagus nerve stimulation, hepatic mRNA levels of Ccl2, Il1β, and Tnf-α, and plasma CCL2 levels, were significantly lower compared with sham. Interestingly, RNAseq revealed that a key activation marker for hepatic stellate cells (HSC), Pnpla3, was the most significantly differentially expressed gene between vagotomized and sham mice. Of note, several HSC-activation associated transcripts were higher in vagotomized mice, suggesting that signals in the vagus nerve contribute to HSC activation. In support of this, we observed significantly higher number of activated HSCs in vagotomized mice as compared with sham as measured by flow cytometry. CONCLUSIONS Signals in the cervical vagus nerve controlled hepatic inflammation and markers of HSC activation in zymosan-induced peritonitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Osman Ahmed
- Department of Medicine Solna, Laboratory of Immunobiology, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Khartoum University, Khartoum, Sudan
- Department of Medicine Solna, Stockholm Center for Bioelectronic Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - April S Caravaca
- Department of Medicine Solna, Laboratory of Immunobiology, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Medicine Solna, Stockholm Center for Bioelectronic Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Maria Crespo
- Spanish National Center for Cardiovascular Research (CNIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Wanmin Dai
- Department of Medicine Solna, Laboratory of Immunobiology, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Medicine Solna, Stockholm Center for Bioelectronic Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ting Liu
- Department of Medicine Solna, Laboratory of Immunobiology, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Medicine Solna, Stockholm Center for Bioelectronic Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Qi Guo
- Department of Medicine Solna, Laboratory of Immunobiology, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Medicine Solna, Stockholm Center for Bioelectronic Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Magdalena Leiva
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Guadalupe Sabio
- Spanish National Center for Cardiovascular Research (CNIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Vladimir S Shavva
- Department of Medicine Solna, Laboratory of Immunobiology, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Medicine Solna, Stockholm Center for Bioelectronic Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Stephen G Malin
- Department of Medicine Solna, Laboratory of Immunobiology, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Peder S Olofsson
- Department of Medicine Solna, Laboratory of Immunobiology, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
- Department of Medicine Solna, Stockholm Center for Bioelectronic Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.
- Institute of Bioelectronic Medicine, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Manhasset, NY, USA.
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Pikov V. Bioelectronic medicine for restoring autonomic balance in autoimmune diseases. GUT MICROBIOTA AND INTEGRATIVE WELLNESS 2023; 1:182. [PMID: 37155473 PMCID: PMC10125261 DOI: 10.54844/gmiw.2022.0182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this mini-review is to introduce most prevalent autoimmune diseases, emphasize the importance of sympatho-parasympathetic imbalance in these autoimmune diseases, demonstrate how such imbalance can be effectively treated using the bioelectronic medicine, and describe potential mechanisms of bioelectronic medicine effects on the autoimmune activity at the cellular and molecular levels.
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Zhang H, Li CL, Qu Y, Yang YX, Du J, Zhao Y. Effects and neuroprotective mechanisms of vagus nerve stimulation on cognitive impairment with traumatic brain injury in animal studies: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Front Neurol 2022; 13:963334. [PMID: 36237612 PMCID: PMC9551312 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.963334] [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: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Cognitive impairment is the main clinical feature after traumatic brain injury (TBI) and is usually characterized by attention deficits, memory loss, and decreased executive function. Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) has been reported to show potential improvement in the cognition level after traumatic brain injury in clinical and preclinical studies. However, this topic has not yet been systematically reviewed in published literature. In this study, we present a systematic review and meta-analysis of the effects of VNS on cognitive function in animal models of TBI and their underlying mechanisms. Methods We performed a literature search on PubMed, PsycINFO, Web of Science, Embase, Scopus, and Cochrane Library from inception to December 2021 to identify studies describing the effects of VNS on animal models of TBI. Results Overall, nine studies were identified in animal models (36 mice, 268 rats, and 27 rabbits). An analysis of these studies showed that VNS can improve the performance of TBI animals in behavioral tests (beam walk test: SMD: 4.95; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.66, 6.23; p < 0.00001) and locomotor placing tests (SMD: -2.39; 95% CI: -4.07, -0.71; p = 0.005), whereas it reduced brain edema (SMD: -1.58; 95% CI: -2.85, -0.31; p = 0. 01) and decrease TNF-α (SMD: -3.49; 95% CI: -5.78, -1.2; p = 0.003) and IL-1β (SMD: -2.84; 95% CI: -3.96, -1.71; p < 0.00001) expression level in the brain tissue. However, the checklist for SYRCLE showed a moderate risk of bias (quality score between 30% and 60%), mainly because of the lack of sample size calculation, random assignment, and blinded assessment. Conclusion The present review showed that VNS can effectively promote cognitive impairment and neuropathology in animal models of TBI. We hope that the results of this systematic review can be applied to improve the methodological quality of animal experiments on TBI, which will provide more important and conclusive evidence on the clinical value of VNS. To further confirm these results, there is a need for high-quality TBI animal studies with sufficient sample size and a more comprehensive outcome evaluation. Systematic review registration https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42021290797, identifier: CRD42021290797.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han Zhang
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Second Clinical Medical College of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong Central Hospital, Nanchong, China
- College of Rehabilitation Medicine, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Sichuan Provincial Key Laboratory of Rehabilitation Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Chun-liu Li
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Second Clinical Medical College of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong Central Hospital, Nanchong, China
| | - Yun Qu
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- College of Rehabilitation Medicine, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Sichuan Provincial Key Laboratory of Rehabilitation Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yu-xuan Yang
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Second Clinical Medical College of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong Central Hospital, Nanchong, China
| | - Juan Du
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Second Clinical Medical College of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong Central Hospital, Nanchong, China
| | - Yu Zhao
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Second Clinical Medical College of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong Central Hospital, Nanchong, China
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Yasmin F, Sahito AM, Mir SL, Khatri G, Shaikh S, Gul A, Hassan SA, Koritala T, Surani S. Electrical neuromodulation therapy for inflammatory bowel disease. World J Gastrointest Pathophysiol 2022; 13:128-142. [PMID: 36187600 PMCID: PMC9516456 DOI: 10.4291/wjgp.v13.i5.128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2021] [Revised: 02/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is an inflammatory disease of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. It has financial and quality of life impact on patients. Although there has been a significant advancement in treatments, a considerable number of patients do not respond to it or have severe side effects. Therapeutic approaches such as electrical neuromodulation are being investigated to provide alternate options. Although bioelectric neuromodulation technology has evolved significantly in the last decade, sacral nerve stimulation (SNS) for fecal incontinence remains the only neuromodulation protocol commonly utilized use for GI disease. For IBD treatment, several electrical neuromodulation techniques have been studied, such as vagus NS, SNS, and tibial NS. Several animal and clinical experiments were conducted to study the effectiveness, with encouraging results. The precise underlying mechanisms of action for electrical neuromodulation are unclear, but this modality appears to be promising. Randomized control trials are required to investigate the efficacy of intrinsic processes. In this review, we will discuss the electrical modulation therapy for the IBD and the data pertaining to it.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farah Yasmin
- Department of Medicine, Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi 74200, Pakistan
| | - Abdul Moiz Sahito
- Department of Medicine, Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi 74200, Pakistan
| | - Syeda Lamiya Mir
- Department of Medicine, Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi 74200, Pakistan
| | - Govinda Khatri
- Department of Medicine, Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi 74200, Pakistan
| | - Somina Shaikh
- Department of Medicine, Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi 74200, Pakistan
| | - Ambresha Gul
- Department of Medicine, People’s University of Medical and Health Sciences, Nawabshah 67480, Pakistan
| | - Syed Adeel Hassan
- Department of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louiseville, KY 40292, United States
| | - Thoyaja Koritala
- Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, NY 55902, United States
| | - Salim Surani
- Department of Medicine, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, United States
- Department of Anesthesiology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55902, United States
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Effect of transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation on delayed neurocognitive recovery in elderly patients. Aging Clin Exp Res 2022; 34:2421-2429. [PMID: 35809206 DOI: 10.1007/s40520-022-02177-x] [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: 03/19/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to investigate whether transauricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) could decrease the incidence of delayed neurocognitive recovery (dNCR) in elderly adults after total joint arthroplasty (TJA). METHODS A prospective, randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled trial was designed. In total, 124 elderly patients undergoing TJA were enrolled and randomly assigned to taVNS group (n = 62), who received taVNS at 1 h before anesthetic induction until the end of surgery, or sham stimulation (SS) group (n = 62), who received SS in the same manner. Neuropsychological batteries were performed before and at 1 week after surgery to assess the incidence of dNCR. Blood samples were collected before surgery and at 1 day after surgery to detect the activity of cholinesterase (AChE and BChE), as well as the levels of inflammatory factors (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and HMGB1) and brain damage factor S100β. RESULTS Of 124 patients, 119 completed 1 week neuropsychological tests. The incidence of dNCR was significantly decreased in taVNS group [10% (6/60)] compared with the SS group [27.1% (16/59)] (P < 0.05). Patients who received taVNS had lower blood levels of AChE, BChE, IL-6, HMGB1, and S100β after surgery (P < 0.05), as compared with those in the SS group. There was no difference in TNF-α between the two groups. CONCLUSION The taVNS can decrease the incidence of dNCR after TJA in elderly patients, which may be related to the inhibition of inflammatory cytokine production and the reduction of cholinesterase activity.
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Vagus nerve stimulation alleviated cerebral ischemia and reperfusion injury in rats by inhibiting pyroptosis via α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor. Cell Death Dis 2022; 8:54. [PMID: 35136042 PMCID: PMC8825823 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-022-00852-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2021] [Revised: 01/06/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Cumulative evidence suggests that pyroptosis, a new sort of programmed cell death, is closely related to cerebral ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. Our previous studies have testified that vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) was involved in many different neuroprotective and neuroplasticity pathways via α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7nAchR), a vital node of the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway during cerebral I/R injury. We aimed to determine the neuroprotective effects of VNS through α7nAchR-mediated inhibition of pyroptosis. Focal cerebral ischemic stroke rat models were obtained by middle cerebral artery occlusion for 120 min. Expression of the NLRP3 inflammasome was evaluated using western blotting and immunofluorescence (IF) staining. The neurological deficit score, infarct volume, TUNEL staining findings, transmission electron microscopy findings, and expression of inflammatory cytokines were assessed 3 days after I/R injury. Our findings suggested that the protein expression levels of NLRP3, GSDMD-N, cleaved caspase-1, and ASC gradually increased until they peaked on day 3 after I/R injury. VNS inhibited the expression of pyroptosis-related molecules and decreased the number of pyroptotic cells and membrane pores. Administration of α7nAchR-antagonist and agonist helped in further assessment of the role of α7nAchR in pyroptosis. α7nAchR-agonist mimicked VNS’s neuroprotective effects on the improvement of neurological deficits, the reduction of infarct volumes, and the inhibition of neuronal pyroptosis after cerebral I/R injury. Conversely, the neuroprotection provided by VNS could be reversed by the administration of α7nAchR-antagonist. In conclusion, VNS-induced neuroprotection via inhibition of neuronal pyroptosis was α7nAchR-dependent, highlighting the pivotal role of α7nAChR in suppressing cellular pyroptosis and neuroinflammation. These findings may allow a better understanding of treatment principles for cerebral I/R injury.
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Namgung U, Kim KJ, Jo BG, Park JM. Vagus nerve stimulation modulates hippocampal inflammation caused by continuous stress in rats. J Neuroinflammation 2022; 19:33. [PMID: 35109857 PMCID: PMC8812005 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-022-02396-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Previous studies have shown that vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) can attenuate inflammatory responses in peripheral tissues and also improve some neurological disorders and cognitive function in the brain. However, it is not clear how VNS is involved in neuropathological processes in brain tissues. Here, we investigated the regulatory effects of VNS on the production of proinflammatory cytokines in the hippocampus of an animal model of continuous stress (CS). Methods CS was induced by placing rats in cages immersed with water, and acute or chronic electrical stimulation was applied to the cervical vagus nerve of CS animals. Protein levels in the gastric and hippocampal tissues were measured by western blotting and protein signals analyzed by immunofluorescence staining. von Frey test and forced swimming test were performed to assess pain sensitivity and depressive-like behavior in rats, respectively. Results Levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 in the gastric and hippocampal tissues were significantly increased in CS animals compared to the untreated control and downregulated by acute VNS (aVNS). Iba-1-labeled microglial cells in the hippocampus of CS animals revealed morphological features of activated inflammatory cells and then changed to a normal shape by VNS. VNS elevated hippocampal expression of α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (α7 nAChR) in CS animals, and pharmacological blockade of α7 nAChR increased the production of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6, thus suppressing cholinergic anti-inflammatory activity that was mediated by VNS. Chronic VNS (cVNS) down-regulated the hippocampal production of active form of caspase 3 and 5-HT1A receptors and also decreased levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 in the gastric and hippocampal tissues of CS animals. Pain sensitivity and depressive-like behavior, which were increased by CS, were improved by cVNS. Conclusions Our data suggest that VNS may be involved in modulating pathophysiological processes caused by CS in the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Uk Namgung
- Department of Oriental Medicine, Institute of Bioscience and Integrative Medicine, Daejeon University, Daehak-ro 62, Daejeon, 34520, South Korea.
| | - Ki-Joong Kim
- Department of Oriental Medicine, Institute of Bioscience and Integrative Medicine, Daejeon University, Daehak-ro 62, Daejeon, 34520, South Korea
| | - Byung-Gon Jo
- Department of Oriental Medicine, Institute of Bioscience and Integrative Medicine, Daejeon University, Daehak-ro 62, Daejeon, 34520, South Korea
| | - Jong Min Park
- Department of Oriental Medicine, Institute of Bioscience and Integrative Medicine, Daejeon University, Daehak-ro 62, Daejeon, 34520, South Korea
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Falvey A, Metz CN, Tracey KJ, Pavlov VA. Peripheral nerve stimulation and immunity: the expanding opportunities for providing mechanistic insight and therapeutic intervention. Int Immunol 2022; 34:107-118. [PMID: 34498051 PMCID: PMC8783605 DOI: 10.1093/intimm/dxab068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2021] [Accepted: 09/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Pre-clinical research advances our understanding of the vagus nerve-mediated regulation of immunity and clinical trials successfully utilize electrical vagus nerve stimulation in the treatment of patients with inflammatory disorders. This symbiotic relationship between pre-clinical and clinical research exploring the vagus nerve-based 'inflammatory reflex' has substantially contributed to establishing the field of bioelectronic medicine. Recent studies identify a crosstalk between the vagus nerve and other neural circuitries in controlling inflammation and delineate new neural immunoregulatory pathways. Here we outline current mechanistic insights into the role of vagal and non-vagal neural pathways in neuro-immune communication and inflammatory regulation. We also provide a timely overview of expanding opportunities for bioelectronic neuromodulation in the treatment of various inflammatory disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aidan Falvey
- The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, Manhasset, NY 11030, USA
| | - Christine N Metz
- The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, Manhasset, NY 11030, USA
- Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Hempstead, NY 11549, USA
| | - Kevin J Tracey
- The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, Manhasset, NY 11030, USA
- Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Hempstead, NY 11549, USA
| | - Valentin A Pavlov
- The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, Manhasset, NY 11030, USA
- Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Hempstead, NY 11549, USA
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Kanauchi Y, Yamamoto T, Yoshida M, Zhang Y, Lee J, Hayashi S, Kadowaki M. Cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway ameliorates murine experimental Th2-type colitis by suppressing the migration of plasmacytoid dendritic cells. Sci Rep 2022; 12:54. [PMID: 34997096 PMCID: PMC8742068 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-04154-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease. Several studies have demonstrated that α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (α7nAChRs) exert anti-inflammatory effects on immune cells and nicotine suppress UC onset and relapse. Plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) reportedly accumulate in the colon of UC patients. Therefore, we investigated the pathophysiological roles of α7nAChRs on pDCs in the pathology of UC using oxazolone (OXZ)-induced Th2-type colitis with BALB/c mice. 2-deoxy-D-glucose, a central vagal stimulant suppressed OXZ colitis, and nicotine also ameliorated OXZ colitis with suppressing Th2 cytokines, which was reversed by α7nAChR antagonist methyllycaconitine. Additionally, α7nAChRs were expressed on pDCs, which were located very close to cholinergic nerve fibers in the colon of OXZ mice. Furthermore, nicotine suppressed CCL21-induced bone marrow-derived pDC migration due to Rac 1 inactivation, which was reversed by methyllycaconitine, a JAK2 inhibitor AG490 or caspase-3 inhibitor AZ-10417808. CCL21 was mainly expressed in the isolated lymphoid follicles (ILFs) of the colon during OXZ colitis. The therapeutic effect of cholinergic pathway on OXZ colitis probably through α7nAChRs on pDCs were attributed to the suppression of pDC migration toward the ILFs. Therefore, the activation of α7nAChRs has innovative therapeutic potential for the treatment of UC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuya Kanauchi
- Division of Gastrointestinal Pathophysiology, Institute of Natural Medicine, University of Toyama, 2630 Sugitani, Toyama, 930-0194, Japan
| | - Takeshi Yamamoto
- Division of Gastrointestinal Pathophysiology, Institute of Natural Medicine, University of Toyama, 2630 Sugitani, Toyama, 930-0194, Japan
| | - Minako Yoshida
- Division of Gastrointestinal Pathophysiology, Institute of Natural Medicine, University of Toyama, 2630 Sugitani, Toyama, 930-0194, Japan
| | - Yue Zhang
- Division of Gastrointestinal Pathophysiology, Institute of Natural Medicine, University of Toyama, 2630 Sugitani, Toyama, 930-0194, Japan
| | - Jaemin Lee
- Division of Gastrointestinal Pathophysiology, Institute of Natural Medicine, University of Toyama, 2630 Sugitani, Toyama, 930-0194, Japan
| | - Shusaku Hayashi
- Division of Gastrointestinal Pathophysiology, Institute of Natural Medicine, University of Toyama, 2630 Sugitani, Toyama, 930-0194, Japan
| | - Makoto Kadowaki
- Division of Gastrointestinal Pathophysiology, Institute of Natural Medicine, University of Toyama, 2630 Sugitani, Toyama, 930-0194, Japan.
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Mogilevski T. The bi-directional role of the gut-brain axis in inflammatory and other gastrointestinal diseases. Curr Opin Gastroenterol 2021; 37:572-577. [PMID: 34519701 DOI: 10.1097/mog.0000000000000779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW There is a growing body of evidence implicating the role of the gut-brain axis in a multitude of inflammatory and non-inflammatory gastrointestinal disorders. The interaction between the gut and the brain is bidirectional and its therapeutic manipulation is gaining traction as the new frontier in the management of gastrointestinal disorders. This review summarizes the recent literature on this subject and serves as a reference for future research directions. RECENT FINDINGS Recent studies have shown that the gut-brain axis, through its main communicator - the vagal nerve - plays a multimodal role in manipulating gastrointestinal physiology. This is evident systemically via the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway, through its effect on intestinal barrier function and also locally on intestinal epithelial and immune cells. Vagal nerve stimulation and faecal microbiota transplantation are two ways by which therapeutic manipulation has been attempted with success. SUMMARY There has been exceptional progress in our understanding of the gut-brain axis in recent literature. Its role in the modulation of a multitude of gastrointestinal disorders is becoming clear. Preclinical findings are sufficient for this research to proceed to clinical trials in order to harness its clinical therapeutic potential for the care of patients.
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