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Du L, He X, Xiong X, Zhang X, Jian Z, Yang Z. Vagus nerve stimulation in cerebral stroke: biological mechanisms, therapeutic modalities, clinical applications, and future directions. Neural Regen Res 2024; 19:1707-1717. [PMID: 38103236 PMCID: PMC10960277 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.389365] [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: 06/11/2023] [Revised: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Stroke is a major disorder of the central nervous system that poses a serious threat to human life and quality of life. Many stroke victims are left with long-term neurological dysfunction, which adversely affects the well-being of the individual and the broader socioeconomic impact. Currently, post-stroke brain dysfunction is a major and difficult area of treatment. Vagus nerve stimulation is a Food and Drug Administration-approved exploratory treatment option for autism, refractory depression, epilepsy, and Alzheimer's disease. It is expected to be a novel therapeutic technique for the treatment of stroke owing to its association with multiple mechanisms such as altering neurotransmitters and the plasticity of central neurons. In animal models of acute ischemic stroke, vagus nerve stimulation has been shown to reduce infarct size, reduce post-stroke neurological damage, and improve learning and memory capacity in rats with stroke by reducing the inflammatory response, regulating blood-brain barrier permeability, and promoting angiogenesis and neurogenesis. At present, vagus nerve stimulation includes both invasive and non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation. Clinical studies have found that invasive vagus nerve stimulation combined with rehabilitation therapy is effective in improving upper limb motor and cognitive abilities in stroke patients. Further clinical studies have shown that non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation, including ear/cervical vagus nerve stimulation, can stimulate vagal projections to the central nervous system similarly to invasive vagus nerve stimulation and can have the same effect. In this paper, we first describe the multiple effects of vagus nerve stimulation in stroke, and then discuss in depth its neuroprotective mechanisms in ischemic stroke. We go on to outline the results of the current major clinical applications of invasive and non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation. Finally, we provide a more comprehensive evaluation of the advantages and disadvantages of different types of vagus nerve stimulation in the treatment of cerebral ischemia and provide an outlook on the developmental trends. We believe that vagus nerve stimulation, as an effective treatment for stroke, will be widely used in clinical practice to promote the recovery of stroke patients and reduce the incidence of disability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Du
- Department of Anesthesiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Xuan He
- Department of Anesthesiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Xiaoxing Xiong
- Department of Neurosurgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Xu Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Zhihong Jian
- Department of Neurosurgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Zhenxing Yang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
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Santi S, Fuggetta F, Colicchio G, D’Ercole M, Izzo A, D’Alessandris QG, Burattini B, Martinelli R, Montano N. Long-Term Outcome in Adult Patients with Drug-Resistant Epilepsy Submitted to Vagus Nerve Stimulation. Brain Sci 2024; 14:639. [PMID: 39061382 PMCID: PMC11274406 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci14070639] [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: 05/17/2024] [Revised: 06/19/2024] [Accepted: 06/21/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Epilepsy treatment primarily involves antiseizure medications (ASMs) to eliminate seizures and improve the quality of life, but many patients develop drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE), necessitating alternative interventions. This study aimed to evaluate the long-term efficacy and safety of vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) in managing DRE. We retrospectively analyzed data from 105 adult patients treated at Agostino Gemelli Hospital from 1994 to 2022. Among the 73 patients with follow-up data, 80.8% were responders, experiencing significant reductions in seizure frequency over an average follow-up period of 9.4 years. Although 19.2% were non-responders, many of these patients still opted for generator replacements due to improvements in quality of life, such as fewer falls and shorter post-ictal periods. The overall complication rate was 12.3%, with most complications being mild and manageable. These findings suggest that VNS offers substantial long-term benefits for patients with DRE, improving seizure control and quality of life. This study underscores the importance of VNS as a viable long-term treatment option for DRE, highlighting its potential to significantly enhance patient outcomes and quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuele Santi
- Department of Neuroscience, Neurosurgery Section, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy; (S.S.); (G.C.); (Q.G.D.); (B.B.); (R.M.)
| | - Filomena Fuggetta
- Department of Neurosurgery, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy; (F.F.); (M.D.); (A.I.)
| | - Gabriella Colicchio
- Department of Neuroscience, Neurosurgery Section, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy; (S.S.); (G.C.); (Q.G.D.); (B.B.); (R.M.)
| | - Manuela D’Ercole
- Department of Neurosurgery, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy; (F.F.); (M.D.); (A.I.)
| | - Alessandro Izzo
- Department of Neurosurgery, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy; (F.F.); (M.D.); (A.I.)
| | - Quintino Giorgio D’Alessandris
- Department of Neuroscience, Neurosurgery Section, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy; (S.S.); (G.C.); (Q.G.D.); (B.B.); (R.M.)
| | - Benedetta Burattini
- Department of Neuroscience, Neurosurgery Section, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy; (S.S.); (G.C.); (Q.G.D.); (B.B.); (R.M.)
| | - Renata Martinelli
- Department of Neuroscience, Neurosurgery Section, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy; (S.S.); (G.C.); (Q.G.D.); (B.B.); (R.M.)
| | - Nicola Montano
- Department of Neuroscience, Neurosurgery Section, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy; (S.S.); (G.C.); (Q.G.D.); (B.B.); (R.M.)
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Boleti APDA, Cardoso PHDO, Frihling BEF, de Moraes LFRN, Nunes EAC, Mukoyama LTH, Nunes EAC, Carvalho CME, Macedo MLR, Migliolo L. Pathophysiology to Risk Factor and Therapeutics to Treatment Strategies on Epilepsy. Brain Sci 2024; 14:71. [PMID: 38248286 PMCID: PMC10813806 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci14010071] [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: 12/18/2023] [Revised: 12/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/06/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Epilepsy represents a condition in which abnormal neuronal discharges or the hyperexcitability of neurons occur with synchronicity, presenting a significant public health challenge. Prognostic factors, such as etiology, electroencephalogram (EEG) abnormalities, the type and number of seizures before treatment, as well as the initial unsatisfactory effects of medications, are important considerations. Although there are several third-generation antiepileptic drugs currently available, their multiple side effects can negatively affect patient quality of life. The inheritance and etiology of epilepsy are complex, involving multiple underlying genetic and epigenetic mechanisms. Different neurotransmitters play crucial roles in maintaining the normal physiology of different neurons. Dysregulations in neurotransmission, due to abnormal transmitter levels or changes in their receptors, can result in seizures. In this review, we address the roles played by various neurotransmitters and their receptors in the pathophysiology of epilepsy. Furthermore, we extensively explore the neurological mechanisms involved in the development and progression of epilepsy, along with its risk factors. Furthermore, we highlight the new therapeutic targets, along with pharmacological and non-pharmacological strategies currently employed in the treatment of epileptic syndromes, including drug interventions employed in clinical trials related to epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Paula de Araújo Boleti
- S-Inova Biotech, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica Dom Bosco, Campo Grande 79117-900, Brazil; (A.P.d.A.B.); (P.H.d.O.C.); (B.E.F.F.); (L.F.R.N.d.M.); (E.A.C.N.); (L.T.H.M.); (E.A.C.N.); (C.M.E.C.)
- Laboratório de Purificação de Proteínas e Suas Funções Biológicas, Unidade de Tecnologia de Alimentos e da Saúde Pública, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande 79070-900, Brazil;
| | - Pedro Henrique de Oliveira Cardoso
- S-Inova Biotech, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica Dom Bosco, Campo Grande 79117-900, Brazil; (A.P.d.A.B.); (P.H.d.O.C.); (B.E.F.F.); (L.F.R.N.d.M.); (E.A.C.N.); (L.T.H.M.); (E.A.C.N.); (C.M.E.C.)
| | - Breno Emanuel Farias Frihling
- S-Inova Biotech, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica Dom Bosco, Campo Grande 79117-900, Brazil; (A.P.d.A.B.); (P.H.d.O.C.); (B.E.F.F.); (L.F.R.N.d.M.); (E.A.C.N.); (L.T.H.M.); (E.A.C.N.); (C.M.E.C.)
| | - Luiz Filipe Ramalho Nunes de Moraes
- S-Inova Biotech, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica Dom Bosco, Campo Grande 79117-900, Brazil; (A.P.d.A.B.); (P.H.d.O.C.); (B.E.F.F.); (L.F.R.N.d.M.); (E.A.C.N.); (L.T.H.M.); (E.A.C.N.); (C.M.E.C.)
| | - Ellynes Amancio Correia Nunes
- S-Inova Biotech, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica Dom Bosco, Campo Grande 79117-900, Brazil; (A.P.d.A.B.); (P.H.d.O.C.); (B.E.F.F.); (L.F.R.N.d.M.); (E.A.C.N.); (L.T.H.M.); (E.A.C.N.); (C.M.E.C.)
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Bioquímica, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Natal 59078-970, Brazil
| | - Lincoln Takashi Hota Mukoyama
- S-Inova Biotech, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica Dom Bosco, Campo Grande 79117-900, Brazil; (A.P.d.A.B.); (P.H.d.O.C.); (B.E.F.F.); (L.F.R.N.d.M.); (E.A.C.N.); (L.T.H.M.); (E.A.C.N.); (C.M.E.C.)
| | - Ellydberto Amancio Correia Nunes
- S-Inova Biotech, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica Dom Bosco, Campo Grande 79117-900, Brazil; (A.P.d.A.B.); (P.H.d.O.C.); (B.E.F.F.); (L.F.R.N.d.M.); (E.A.C.N.); (L.T.H.M.); (E.A.C.N.); (C.M.E.C.)
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Bioquímica, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Natal 59078-970, Brazil
| | - Cristiano Marcelo Espinola Carvalho
- S-Inova Biotech, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica Dom Bosco, Campo Grande 79117-900, Brazil; (A.P.d.A.B.); (P.H.d.O.C.); (B.E.F.F.); (L.F.R.N.d.M.); (E.A.C.N.); (L.T.H.M.); (E.A.C.N.); (C.M.E.C.)
| | - Maria Lígia Rodrigues Macedo
- Laboratório de Purificação de Proteínas e Suas Funções Biológicas, Unidade de Tecnologia de Alimentos e da Saúde Pública, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande 79070-900, Brazil;
| | - Ludovico Migliolo
- S-Inova Biotech, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica Dom Bosco, Campo Grande 79117-900, Brazil; (A.P.d.A.B.); (P.H.d.O.C.); (B.E.F.F.); (L.F.R.N.d.M.); (E.A.C.N.); (L.T.H.M.); (E.A.C.N.); (C.M.E.C.)
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Bioquímica, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Natal 59078-970, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Biologia Celular e Molecular, Universidade Federal da Paraíba, João Pessoa 58051-900, Brazil
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Abarca-Castro EA, Talavera-Peña AK, Reyes-Lagos JJ, Becerril-Villanueva E, Pérez-Sanchez G, de la Peña FR, Maldonado-García JL, Pavón L. Modulation of vagal activity may help reduce neurodevelopmental damage in the offspring of mothers with pre-eclampsia. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1280334. [PMID: 38022681 PMCID: PMC10653300 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1280334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Maternal Immune Activation (MIA) has been linked to the pathogenesis of pre-eclampsia and adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes in the offspring, such as cognitive deficits, behavioral abnormalities, and mental disorders. Pre-eclampsia is associated with an activation of the immune system characterized by persistently elevated levels of proinflammatory cytokines, as well as a decrease in immunoregulatory factors. The Cholinergic Anti-inflammatory Pathway (CAP) may play a relevant role in regulating the maternal inflammatory response during pre-eclampsia and protecting the developing fetus from inflammation-induced damage. Dysregulation in the CAP has been associated with the clinical evolution of pre-eclampsia. Some studies suggest that therapeutic stimulation of this pathway may improve maternal and fetal outcomes in preclinical models of pre-eclampsia. Modulation of vagal activity influences the CAP, improving maternal hemodynamics, limiting the inflammatory response, and promoting the growth of new neurons, which enhances synaptic plasticity and improves fetal neurodevelopment. Therefore, we postulate that modulation of vagal activity may improve maternal and fetal outcomes in pre-eclampsia by targeting underlying immune dysregulation and promoting better fetal neurodevelopment. In this perspective, we explore the clinical and experimental evidence of electrical, pharmacological, physical, and biological stimulation mechanisms capable of inducing therapeutical CAP, which may be applied in pre-eclampsia to improve the mother's and offspring's quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Alonso Abarca-Castro
- Departamento de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana-Lerma (UAM-L), Lerma, Mexico
| | - Ana Karen Talavera-Peña
- Departamento de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana-Lerma (UAM-L), Lerma, Mexico
| | - José Javier Reyes-Lagos
- Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México (UAEMéx), Toluca de Lerdo, Mexico
| | - Enrique Becerril-Villanueva
- Laboratorio de Psicoinmunología, Dirección de Investigaciones en Neurociencias, Instituto Nacional de Psiquiatría Ramón de la Fuente Muñiz, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Gilberto Pérez-Sanchez
- Laboratorio de Psicoinmunología, Dirección de Investigaciones en Neurociencias, Instituto Nacional de Psiquiatría Ramón de la Fuente Muñiz, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Francisco R. de la Peña
- Unidad de Fomento a la Investigación, Dirección de Servicios Clínicos, Instituto Nacional de Psiquiatría Ramón de la Fuente Muñiz, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - José Luis Maldonado-García
- Laboratorio de Psicoinmunología, Dirección de Investigaciones en Neurociencias, Instituto Nacional de Psiquiatría Ramón de la Fuente Muñiz, Mexico City, Mexico
- Departamento de Inmunología, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Lenin Pavón
- Laboratorio de Psicoinmunología, Dirección de Investigaciones en Neurociencias, Instituto Nacional de Psiquiatría Ramón de la Fuente Muñiz, Mexico City, Mexico
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Morton C, Cotero V, Ashe J, Ginty F, Puleo C. Accelerating cutaneous healing in a rodent model of type II diabetes utilizing non-invasive focused ultrasound targeted at the spleen. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:1039960. [PMID: 36478877 PMCID: PMC9721138 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.1039960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Healing of wounds is delayed in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM), and new treatment approaches are urgently needed. Our earlier work showed that splenic pulsed focused ultrasound (pFUS) alters inflammatory cytokines in models of acute endotoxemia and pneumonia via modulation of the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway (CAP) (ref below). Based on these earlier results, we hypothesized that daily splenic exposure to pFUS during wound healing would accelerate closure rate via altered systemic cytokine titers. In this study, we applied non-invasive ultrasound directed to the spleen of a rodent model [Zucker Diabetic Sprague Dawley (ZDSD) rats] of T2DM with full thickness cutaneous excisional wounds in an attempt to accelerate wound healing via normalization of T2DM-driven aberrant cytokine expression. Daily (1x/day, Monday-Friday) pFUS pulses were targeted externally to the spleen area for 3 min over the course of 15 days. Wound diameter was measured daily, and levels of cytokines were evaluated in spleen and wound bed lysates. Non-invasive splenic pFUS accelerated wound closure by up to 4.5 days vs. sham controls. The time to heal in all treated groups was comparable to that of healthy rats from previously published studies (ref below), suggesting that the pFUS treatment restored a normal wound healing phenotype to the ZDSD rats. IL-6 was lower in stimulated spleen (-2.24 ± 0.81 Log2FC, p = 0.02) while L-selectin was higher in the wound bed of stimulated rodents (2.53 ± 0.72 Log2FC, p = 0.003). In summary, splenic pFUS accelerates healing in a T2DM rat model, demonstrating the potential of the method to provide a novel, non-invasive approach for wound care in diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Fiona Ginty
- Biology and Applied Physics, GE Research, Niskayuna, NY, United States
| | - Christopher Puleo
- GE Research, Niskayuna, NY, United States
- *Correspondence: Christopher Puleo,
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Chan JH, DelRosso LM, Ruth C, Wrede JE. A surface electrode adjacent to vagal nerve stimulator lead can aid in characterizing vagal nerve stimulator mediated pediatric sleep-disordered breathing: a case series of 7 patients. J Clin Sleep Med 2022; 18:1973-1981. [PMID: 35499280 PMCID: PMC9340602 DOI: 10.5664/jcsm.10050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
STUDY OBJECTIVES The vagal nerve stimulator (VNS) is a nonpharmacological treatment for refractory epilepsy. A side effect of the VNS is sleep-disordered breathing. The purpose of this study was to demonstrate how a surface electrode placed over the VNS lead can help distinguish whether sleep-disordered breathing is due to VNS discharge. METHODS Seven pediatric patients (aged 7.7 ± 2.2 years) with a VNS underwent a polysomnogram with an additional surface electrode on the left anterolateral neck to detect VNS discharge. The VNS-associated apnea-hypopnea index was calculated by determining the number of hypopneas and apneas occurring during VNS discharge. We evaluated the veracity of the VNS electrode by comparing signal duration and total number to those expected by programmed settings. We compared these findings to chin electromyogram signal change. RESULTS Three patients had an obstructive pattern with VNS discharge, and 3 had an increase in respiratory rate without gas exchange abnormalities, including 1 with both patterns; 1 patient experienced no respiratory abnormalities. The mean obstructive apnea-hypopnea index was 8.2 ± 8.3 events/h. The mean VNS-associated apnea-hypopnea index was 4.8 ± 6.2 events/h and accounted for 46.9 ± 30.2% of the total obstructive apnea-hypopnea index. The additional electrode captured a statistically high percentage of expected discharges (94.7 ± 6.5%) compared to chin electromyogram (36.1 ± 35.8%; P < .05). CONCLUSIONS We demonstrated that a surface electrode on the VNS lead can temporally coregister VNS discharges and enabled us to attribute sleep-disordered breathing to VNS stimulation in 4 patients. We propose that this sensor be standard procedure in patients with VNS undergoing polysomnogram. CITATION Chan JHM, DelRosso LM, Ruth C, Wrede JE. A surface electrode adjacent to vagal nerve stimulator lead can aid in characterizing vagal nerve stimulator-mediated pediatric sleep-disordered breathing: a case series of 7 patients. J Clin Sleep Med. 2022;18(8):1973-1981.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy H.M. Chan
- Division of Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine, Seattle Children’s Hospital, Seattle, WA
| | - Lourdes M. DelRosso
- Division of Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine, Seattle Children’s Hospital, Seattle, WA
- Division of Neurology, Seattle Children’s Hospital, Seattle, WA
| | - Chris Ruth
- Seattle Children’s Sleep Center, Seattle Children’s Hospital, Seattle, WA
| | - Joanna E. Wrede
- Division of Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine, Seattle Children’s Hospital, Seattle, WA
- Division of Neurology, Seattle Children’s Hospital, Seattle, WA
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Möbius H, Welkoborsky HJ. Vagus nerve stimulation for conservative therapy-refractive epilepsy and depression. Laryngorhinootologie 2022; 101:S114-S143. [PMID: 35605616 DOI: 10.1055/a-1660-5591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Numerous studies confirm that the vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) is an efficient, indirect neuromodulatory therapy with electrically induced current for epilepsy that cannot be treated by epilepsy surgery and is therapy-refractory and for drug therapy-refractory depression. VNS is an established, evidence-based and in the long-term cost-effective therapy in an interdisciplinary overall concept.Long-term data on the safety and tolerance of the method are available despite the heterogeneity of the patient populations. Stimulation-related side effects like hoarseness, paresthesia, cough or dyspnea depend on the stimulation strength and often decrease with continuing therapy duration in the following years. Stimulation-related side effects of VNS can be well influenced by modifying the stimulation parameters. Overall, the invasive vagus nerve stimulation may be considered as a safe and well-tolerated therapy option.For invasive and transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation, antiepileptic and antidepressant as well as positive cognitive effects could be proven. In contrast to drugs, VNS has no negative effect on cognition. In many cases, an improvement of the quality of life is possible.iVNS therapy has a low probability of complete seizure-freedom in cases of focal and genetically generalized epilepsy. It must be considered as palliative therapy, which means that it does not lead to healing and requires the continuation of specific medication. The functional principle is a general reduction of the neuronal excitability. This effect is achieved by a slow increase of the effectiveness sometimes over several years. Responders are those patients who experience a 50% reduction of the seizure incidence. Some studies even reveal seizure-freedom in 20% of the cases. Currently, it is not possible to differentiate between potential responders and non-responders before therapy/implantation.The current technical developments of the iVNS generators of the new generation like closed-loop system (cardiac-based seizure detection, CBSD) reduce also the risk for SUDEP (sudden unexpected death in epilepsy patients), a very rare, lethal complication of epilepsies, beside the seizure severity.iVNS may deteriorate an existing sleep apnea syndrome and therefore requires possible therapy interruption during nighttime (day-night programming or magnet use) beside the close cooperation with sleep physicians.The evaluation of the numerous iVNS trials of the past two decades showed multiple positive effects on other immunological, cardiological, and gastroenterological diseases so that additional therapy indications may be expected depending on future study results. Currently, the vagus nerve stimulation is in the focus of research in the disciplines of psychology, immunology, cardiology as well as pain and plasticity research with the desired potential of future medical application.Beside invasive vagus nerve stimulation with implantation of an IPG and an electrode, also devices for transdermal and thus non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation have been developed during the last years. According to the data that are currently available, they are less effective with regard to the reduction of the seizure severity and duration in cases of therapy-refractory epilepsy and slightly less effective regarding the improvement of depression symptoms. In this context, studies are missing that confirm high evidence of effectiveness. The same is true for the other indications that have been mentioned like tinnitus, cephalgia, gastrointestinal complaints etc. Another disadvantage of transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation is that the stimulators have to be applied actively by the patients and are not permanently active, in contrast to implanted iVNS therapy systems. So they are only intermittently active; furthermore, the therapy adherence is uncertain.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Möbius
- Klinik für HNO-Heilkunde, Kopf- und Halschirurgie, KRH Klinikum Nordstadt, Hannover.,Abt. für HNO-Heilkunde, Kinderkrankenhaus auf der Bult, Hannover
| | - H J Welkoborsky
- Klinik für HNO-Heilkunde, Kopf- und Halschirurgie, KRH Klinikum Nordstadt, Hannover.,Abt. für HNO-Heilkunde, Kinderkrankenhaus auf der Bult, Hannover
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Qin Z, Xiang K, Su DF, Sun Y, Liu X. Activation of the Cholinergic Anti-Inflammatory Pathway as a Novel Therapeutic Strategy for COVID-19. Front Immunol 2021; 11:595342. [PMID: 33633726 PMCID: PMC7901247 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.595342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2020] [Accepted: 12/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) underlined the urgent need for alleviating cytokine storm. We propose here that activating the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway (CAP) is a potential therapeutic strategy. However, there is currently no approved drugs targeting the regulatory pathway. It is evident that nicotine, anisodamine and some herb medicine, activate the CAP and exert anti-inflammation action in vitro and in vivo. As the vagus nerve affects both inflammation and specific immune response, we propose that vagus nerve stimulation by invasive or non-invasive devices and acupuncture at ST36, PC6, or GV20, are also feasible approaches to activate the CAP and control COVID-19. It is worth to investigate the efficacy and safety of the strategy in patients with COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Qin
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Drug Evaluation (Yantai University), Ministry of Education, Yantai University, Yantai, China
| | - Kefa Xiang
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ding-Feng Su
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yang Sun
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xia Liu
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
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Zhang LN, Zhang XW, Li CQ, Guo J, Chen YP, Chen SL. Vagal Nerve Stimulation Protects Against Cerebral Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury in Rats by Inhibiting Autophagy and Apoptosis. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat 2021; 17:905-913. [PMID: 33790559 PMCID: PMC8008252 DOI: 10.2147/ndt.s300535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cumulative evidence suggests that neuronal death including autophagy, apoptosis, and necrosis is closely related to the occurrence and development of cerebral ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury. Moreover, vagal nerve stimulation (VNS) is involved in many different neuroprotective and neuroplasticity pathways. Thus, VNS may be a novel approach for treating various neurodegenerative diseases. The present study aims to determine whether VNS protects against cerebral I/R injury in rats by inhibiting autophagy and apoptosis. METHODS Cerebral I/R injury is induced by middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) and VNS is carried out. Infarct volume, neurological deficit, autophagy, and apoptosis are examined 24 h after reperfusion. RESULTS Vagal nerve stimulation decreases infarct volume and suppresses neurological deficit. Moreover, obvious autophagy and apoptosis are detected in rats that have undergone I/R, and VNS inhibits autophagy and apoptosis. CONCLUSION Vagal nerve stimulation exerts neuroprotective effects following I/R injury by inhibiting autophagy and apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Na Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Chongqing University Three Gorges Hospital, Chongqing, 404000, People's Republic of China
| | - Xian-Wei Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Chongqing University Three Gorges Hospital, Chongqing, 404000, People's Republic of China
| | - Chang-Qing Li
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400010, People's Republic of China
| | - Jing Guo
- Department of Neurology, Chongqing University Three Gorges Hospital, Chongqing, 404000, People's Republic of China
| | - Yong-Ping Chen
- Department of Neurology, Chongqing University Three Gorges Hospital, Chongqing, 404000, People's Republic of China
| | - Sheng-Li Chen
- Department of Neurology, Chongqing University Three Gorges Hospital, Chongqing, 404000, People's Republic of China
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10
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Alqadi K, Aldhalaan H, Alghamdi A, Bamgadam F, Abu-Jabber A, Baeesa S, Althubaiti I, Baz S. Saudi Arabian Consensus Statement on Vagus Nerve Stimulation for Refractory Epilepsy. SAUDI JOURNAL OF MEDICINE & MEDICAL SCIENCES 2020; 9:75-81. [PMID: 33519349 PMCID: PMC7839567 DOI: 10.4103/sjmms.sjmms_578_19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2020] [Revised: 08/09/2020] [Accepted: 11/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) is an approved adjunctive therapy for refractory epilepsy and used in patients who are not candidates for resective epilepsy surgery. In Saudi Arabia, VNS device implantation is being performed since 2008 by several comprehensive epilepsy programs, but with variable protocols. Therefore, to standardize the use of VNS, a task force was established to create a national consensus. This group consisted of epileptologists, epilepsy surgeons and a VNS nurse coordinator working in comprehensive epilepsy centers and dealing with refractory epilepsy cases. The group intensively reviewed the literature using Medline, EMBASE, Web of Science and Cochrane Library, in addition to physician's manual. Evidence is reported as three stages: preimplantation and patient selection, a perioperative phase involving all stakeholders and post-operative care with specific programming pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khalid Alqadi
- Department of Neurosciences, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hesham Aldhalaan
- Department of Neurosciences, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdulaziz Alghamdi
- Department of Neurosciences, Prince Sultan Military Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Fawzia Bamgadam
- Department of Neurosciences, King Fahad Medical Centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Amal Abu-Jabber
- Department of Neurosciences, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Saleh Baeesa
- Department of Neurosciences, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.,Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ibrahim Althubaiti
- Department of Neurosciences, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Salah Baz
- Department of Neurosciences, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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11
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Tsai JD, Yang RC, Chang MY, Fan HC, Hung KL, Tcns VNS. Vagus nerve stimulation for patients with refractory epilepsy: Demographic features and neuropsychological outcomes of the VNS Taiwan child neurology society database. Epilepsy Behav 2020; 111:107186. [PMID: 32534423 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2020.107186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2020] [Revised: 05/21/2020] [Accepted: 05/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) is an established adjunctive therapy for medically refractory epilepsy, which is commonly associated with cognitive impairment, especially in children in whom seizures may disrupt development that is essential to their intellectual and social maturation. The Taiwan Child Neurology Society intends to expand the use of VNS by reporting the experience in a nationwide population, displaying the demographic features and neuropsychological outcomes of VNS. METHODS The enrollment included 105 patients of all ages and seizure types who underwent VNS implantation for refractory epilepsy. Basic data included etiology, past history, seizure phenotypes, and epileptiform syndromes. For efficacy analysis, seizure frequencies were recorded at the baseline and at 3, 12, 24, and 36 months after VNS implantation. For psychological assessment, intelligence quotients (IQ) and Parental Stress Index (PSI) scores were evaluated before and after the VNS. RESULTS During the study period, 95 patients with VNS had followed seizure frequency, IQ and PSI recording. After implantation, there was a decreased frequency at 3 (P < .001), 12 (P < .001), 24 (P = .010), and 36 (P < .01) months. After implantation, the reduction rate (0-50%) of seizure frequency ranged around 26.1-36.1% from 3 to 36 months. For PSI scores, the VNS significantly improved the PSI- total score (P = .001) and PSI-parent domain (P = .001) but not the PSI-children domain (P = .052). No significant improvement in the IQ test performance was observed. CONCLUSIONS This prospective nationwide database of VNS in Taiwan indicates long-term efficacy of VNS therapy, which has achieved a trend of seizure frequency reduction over a period of up to 36 months. It also shows the trend of decreased parental stress after VNS implantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeng-Dau Tsai
- Department of Pediatrics, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan; School of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Rei-Cheng Yang
- Department of Pediatrics, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Yuh Chang
- Department of Pediatrics, Changhua Christian Hospital, Changhua, Taiwan
| | - Hueng-Chuen Fan
- Tung's Taichung Metroharbor Hospital, Wuchi, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Kun-Long Hung
- Department of Pediatrics, Fu-Jen Catholic University Hospital, Fu-Jen Catholic University, New Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Pediatrics, Cathay General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.
| | - V N S Tcns
- Vagus Nerve Stimulation Study Group of Taiwan Child Neurology Society
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12
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Gandhi H, Ippoliti M, Iqbal F, Shah A. Bradyarrhythmia secondary to vagus nerve stimulator 7 years after placement. BMJ Case Rep 2020; 13:13/6/e235514. [PMID: 32606132 DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2020-235514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
We present a case of a 38-year-old man with a previous medical history of asthma and refractory epilepsy requiring vagal nerve stimulator (VNS) placement 7 years prior to the presentation who was found to be in atrial fibrillation with a rapid ventricular response during a preoperative evaluation, which prompted transoesophageal echocardiography and subsequent cardioversion. In preparation for cardioversion, the VNS was turned off and the patient was cardioverted to normal sinus rhythm. Following cardioversion, the VNS was activated again. During recovery, the patient was experiencing several episodes of first-degree and second-degree Mobitz type-II atrioventricular (AV) block. In response, the VNS was deactivated indefinitely. On interrogation of a loop recorder 2 weeks after discharge, the patient did not have any further evidence of AV conduction delay.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haresh Gandhi
- Internal Medicine, Monmouth Medical Center, Long Branch, New Jersey, USA
| | - Michelina Ippoliti
- Internal Medicine, Monmouth Medical Center, Long Branch, New Jersey, USA
| | - Farrukh Iqbal
- Internal Medicine, Monmouth Medical Center, Long Branch, New Jersey, USA
| | - Ajay Shah
- Cardiology, Monmouth Medical Center, Long Branch, New Jersey, USA
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13
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Thompson N, Ravagli E, Mastitskaya S, Iacoviello F, Aristovich K, Perkins J, Shearing PR, Holder D. MicroCT optimisation for imaging fascicular anatomy in peripheral nerves. J Neurosci Methods 2020; 338:108652. [PMID: 32179090 PMCID: PMC7181190 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2020.108652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2019] [Revised: 02/24/2020] [Accepted: 02/25/2020] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Due to the lack of understanding of the fascicular organisation, vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) leads to unwanted off-target effects. Micro-computed tomography (microCT) can be used to trace fascicles from periphery and image fascicular anatomy. NEW METHOD In this study, we present a simple and reproducible method for imaging fascicles in peripheral nerves with iodine staining and microCT for the determination of fascicular anatomy and organisation. RESULTS At the determined optimal pre-processing steps and scanning parameters, the microCT protocol allowed for segmentation and tracking of fascicles within the nerves. This was achieved after 24 hours and 120 hours of staining with Lugol's solution (1% total iodine) for rat sciatic and pig vagus nerves, respectively, and the following scanning parameters: 4 μm voxel size, 35 kVp energy, 114 μA current, 4 W power, 0.25 fps in 4 s exposure time, 3176 projections and a molybdenum target. COMPARISON WITH EXISTING METHOD(S) This optimised method for imaging fascicles provides high-resolution, three-dimensional images and full imaging penetration depth not obtainable with methods typically used such as histology, magnetic resonance imaging and optical coherence tomography whilst obviating time-consuming pre-processing methods, the amount of memory required, destruction of the samples and the cost associated with current microCT methods. CONCLUSION The optimised microCT protocol facilitates segmentation and tracking of the fascicles within the nerve. The resulting segmentation map of the functional anatomical organisation of the vagus nerve will enable selective VNS ultimately allowing for the avoidance of the off-target effects and improving its therapeutic efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Thompson
- EIT and Neurophysiology Lab, Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, University College London, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom.
| | - Enrico Ravagli
- EIT and Neurophysiology Lab, Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, University College London, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom
| | - Svetlana Mastitskaya
- EIT and Neurophysiology Lab, Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, University College London, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom
| | - Francesco Iacoviello
- Electrochemical Innovation Lab, Chemical Engineering, University College London, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom
| | - Kirill Aristovich
- EIT and Neurophysiology Lab, Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, University College London, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom
| | - Justin Perkins
- Clinical Science and Services, The Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, Hatfield, AL9 7TA, United Kingdom
| | - Paul R Shearing
- Electrochemical Innovation Lab, Chemical Engineering, University College London, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom
| | - David Holder
- EIT and Neurophysiology Lab, Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, University College London, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom
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14
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Rosso P, Iannitelli A, Pacitti F, Quartini A, Fico E, Fiore M, Greco A, Ralli M, Tirassa P. Vagus nerve stimulation and Neurotrophins: a biological psychiatric perspective. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2020; 113:338-353. [PMID: 32278791 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2020.03.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2019] [Revised: 03/31/2020] [Accepted: 03/31/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Since 2004, vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) has been used in treatment-resistant or treatment-intolerant depressive episodes. Today, VNS is suggested as possible therapy for a larger spectrum of psychiatric disorders, including schizophrenia, obsessive compulsive disorders, and panic disorders. Despite a large body of literature supports the application of VNS in patients' treatment, the exact mechanism of action of VNS remains not fully understood. In the present study, the major knowledges on the brain areas and neuronal pathways regulating neuroimmune and autonomic response subserving VNS effects are reviewed. Furthermore, the involvement of the neurotrophins (NTs) Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) and Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) in vagus nerve (VN) physiology and stimulation is revised. The data on brain NGF/BDNF synthesis and in turn on the activity-dependent plasticity, connectivity rearrangement and neurogenesis, are presented and discussed as potential biomarkers for optimizing stimulatory parameters for VNS. A vagus nerve-neurotrophin interaction model in the brain is finally proposed as a working hypothesis for future studies addressed to understand pathophysiology of psychiatric disturbance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pamela Rosso
- National Research Council (CNR), Institute of Biochemistry & Cell Biology (IBBC), Rome, Italy
| | - Angela Iannitelli
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Francesca Pacitti
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy; Psychiatry Unit San Salvatore Hospital, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Adele Quartini
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Elena Fico
- National Research Council (CNR), Institute of Biochemistry & Cell Biology (IBBC), Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Fiore
- National Research Council (CNR), Institute of Biochemistry & Cell Biology (IBBC), Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Greco
- Department of Sense Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
| | - Massimo Ralli
- Department of Sense Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Tirassa
- National Research Council (CNR), Institute of Biochemistry & Cell Biology (IBBC), Rome, Italy.
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15
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Vagus nerve stimulation as a promising adjunctive treatment for ischemic stroke. Neurochem Int 2019; 131:104539. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2019.104539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2019] [Revised: 08/03/2019] [Accepted: 08/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
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16
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Milovanović JR, Janković SM, Milovanović D, Ružić Zečević D, Folić M, Kostić M, Ranković G, Stefanović S. Contemporary surgical management of drug-resistant focal epilepsy. Expert Rev Neurother 2019; 20:23-40. [DOI: 10.1080/14737175.2020.1676733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Dragan Milovanović
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Kragujevac, Kragujevac, Serbia
| | | | - Marko Folić
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Kragujevac, Kragujevac, Serbia
| | - Marina Kostić
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Kragujevac, Kragujevac, Serbia
| | - Goran Ranković
- Medical Faculty, University of Pristina, Kosovska Mitrovica, Serbia
| | - Srđan Stefanović
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Kragujevac, Kragujevac, Serbia
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17
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Thompson N, Mastitskaya S, Holder D. Avoiding off-target effects in electrical stimulation of the cervical vagus nerve: Neuroanatomical tracing techniques to study fascicular anatomy of the vagus nerve. J Neurosci Methods 2019; 325:108325. [PMID: 31260728 PMCID: PMC6698726 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2019.108325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2019] [Revised: 06/25/2019] [Accepted: 06/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) is a promising therapy for treatment of various conditions that are resistant to standard medication, such as heart failure, epilepsy, and depression. The vagus nerve is a complex nerve providing afferent and efferent innervation of the pharynx, larynx, heart, tracheobronchial tree and lungs, oesophagus, stomach, liver, pancreas, small intestine and proximal colon. It is therefore a prime target for intervention for VNS. Surprisingly, the fascicular organisation of the vagus nerve at the cervical level is still not well understood. This, along with the current stimulation techniques, results in the entire nerve being stimulated, which leads to unwanted off-target effects. Neuronal tracing is a promising method to delineate the organ-specific innervation by the vagus nerve, thereby providing valuable insight into the fascicular anatomy. In this review we discuss the current knowledge of vagus nerve anatomy and neuronal tracers used for mapping of its organ-specific projections in various species. Efferent vagal projections are a chain of two neurones (pre- and postganglionic), while afferent projections consist of only one pseudounipolar neurone with one branch terminating in the target organ/tissue directly and another in the brainstem. It would be feasible to retrogradely trace the afferent fibres from their respective visceral targets and identify them at the cervical level using non-transsynaptic neuronal tracers. Using this to create a map of the functional anatomical organisation of the vagus nerve will enable selective VNS ultimately allowing for the avoidance of the off-target effects and improving overall efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Thompson
- Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, University College London, London, United Kingdom.
| | - Svetlana Mastitskaya
- Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - David Holder
- Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, University College London, London, United Kingdom
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18
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Meneses G, Cárdenas G, Espinosa A, Rassy D, Pérez-Osorio IN, Bárcena B, Fleury A, Besedovsky H, Fragoso G, Sciutto E. Sepsis: developing new alternatives to reduce neuroinflammation and attenuate brain injury. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2018; 1437:43-56. [DOI: 10.1111/nyas.13985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2018] [Revised: 10/02/2018] [Accepted: 10/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela Meneses
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas; Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México; Mexico City Mexico
| | - Graciela Cárdenas
- Instituto Nacional de Neurología y Neurocirugía; SSA; Mexico City Mexico
| | - Alejandro Espinosa
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas; Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México; Mexico City Mexico
| | - Dunia Rassy
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas; Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México; Mexico City Mexico
| | - Ivan Nicolás Pérez-Osorio
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas; Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México; Mexico City Mexico
| | - Brandon Bárcena
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas; Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México; Mexico City Mexico
| | - Agnes Fleury
- Instituto Nacional de Neurología y Neurocirugía; SSA; Mexico City Mexico
| | - Hugo Besedovsky
- The Institute of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Medical Faculty; Philipps University; Marburg Germany
| | - Gladis Fragoso
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas; Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México; Mexico City Mexico
| | - Edda Sciutto
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas; Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México; Mexico City Mexico
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19
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Dong XY, Feng Z. Wake-promoting effects of vagus nerve stimulation after traumatic brain injury: upregulation of orexin-A and orexin receptor type 1 expression in the prefrontal cortex. Neural Regen Res 2018; 13:244-251. [PMID: 29557373 PMCID: PMC5879895 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.226395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Orexins, produced in the lateral hypothalamus, are important neuropeptides that participate in the sleep/wake cycle, and their expression coincides with the projection area of the vagus nerve in the brain. Vagus nerve stimulation has been shown to decrease the amounts of daytime sleep and rapid eye movement in epilepsy patients with traumatic brain injury. In the present study, we investigated whether vagus nerve stimulation promotes wakefulness and affects orexin expression. A rat model of traumatic brain injury was established using the free fall drop method. In the stimulated group, rats with traumatic brain injury received vagus nerve stimulation (frequency, 30 Hz; current, 1.0 mA; pulse width, 0.5 ms; total stimulation time, 15 minutes). In the antagonist group, rats with traumatic brain injury were intracerebroventricularly injected with the orexin receptor type 1 (OX1R) antagonist SB334867 and received vagus nerve stimulation. Changes in consciousness were observed after stimulation in each group. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, western blot assay and immunohistochemistry were used to assess the levels of orexin-A and OX1R expression in the prefrontal cortex. In the stimulated group, consciousness was substantially improved, orexin-A protein expression gradually increased within 24 hours after injury and OX1R expression reached a peak at 12 hours, compared with rats subjected to traumatic brain injury only. In the antagonist group, the wake-promoting effect of vagus nerve stimulation was diminished, and orexin-A and OX1R expression were decreased, compared with that of the stimulated group. Taken together, our findings suggest that vagus nerve stimulation promotes the recovery of consciousness in comatose rats after traumatic brain injury. The upregulation of orexin-A and OX1R expression in the prefrontal cortex might be involved in the wake-promoting effects of vagus nerve stimulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Yang Dong
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Zhen Feng
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, China
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