Brief periods of transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation improve autonomic balance and alter circulating monocytes and endothelial cells in patients with metabolic syndrome: a pilot study.

BACKGROUND: There is emerging evidence that the nervous system regulates immune and metabolic alterations mediating Metabolic syndrome (MetS) pathogenesis via the vagus nerve. This study evaluated the effects of transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (TAVNS) on key cardiovascular and inflammatory components of MetS. METHODS: We conducted an open label, randomized (2:1), two-arm, parallel-group controlled trial in MetS patients. Subjects in the treatment group (n = 20) received 30 min of TAVNS with a NEMOS® device placed on the cymba conchae of the left ear, once weekly. Patients in the control group (n = 10) received no stimulation. Hemodynamic, heart rate variability (HRV), biochemical parameters, and monocytes, progenitor endothelial cells, circulating endothelial cells, and endothelial micro particles were evaluated at randomization, after the first TAVNS treatment, and again after 8 weeks of follow-up. RESULTS: An improvement in sympathovagal balance (HRV analysis) was observed after the first TAVNS session. Only patients treated with TAVNS for 8 weeks had a significant decrease in office BP and HR, a further improvement in sympathovagal balance, with a shift of circulating monocytes towards an anti-inflammatory phenotype and endothelial cells to a reparative vascular profile. CONCLUSION: These results are of interest for further study of TAVNS as treatment of MetS.

Acute physical and mental stress resulted in an increase in fatty acids, norepinephrine, and hemodynamic changes in normal individuals: A possible pathophysiological mechanism for hypertension-Pilot study.

Hypertension is often associated with metabolic changes. The sustained increase in sympathetic activity is related to increased blood pressure and metabolic changes. Environmental stimuli may be related to increased sympathetic activity, blood pressure, and metabolic changes, especially in genetically predisposed individuals. The aim of this study was to evaluate the response of fatty acids to physical and mental stress in healthy volunteers and the hemodynamic, hormonal, and metabolic implications of these stimuli. Fifteen healthy individuals with a mean age of 31 ± 7 years, of both sexes, were evaluated. They were assessed at baseline and after combined physical and mental stress (isometric exercise test, Stroop color test). Blood samples were collected at baseline and after stimulation for glucose, insulin, fatty acid, and catecholamine levels. Blood pressure, heart rate, cardiac output, systemic vascular resistance, and distensibility of the large and small arteries were analyzed. The data obtained at baseline and after stimuli were from the same individual, being the control itself. Compared to baseline, after physical and mental stress there was a statistically significant increase (p < .05) in free fatty acids, norepinephrine, diastolic blood pressure, peripheral vascular resistance, and distensibility of the large and small arteries. In conclusion, the combination of physical and mental stress raised fatty acids, norepinephrine, diastolic blood pressure, and peripheral vascular resistance in healthy individuals.

Implante Valve-in-Valve: uma opção / Valve-in-valve implant: an option

Os relatos de implante de valve-in-valve no Brasil são escassos, mas têm aumentado de frequência nos países desenvolvidos. Relata-se o caso de paciente feminina, 73 anos, que se submeteu a implante transcutâneo de prótese aórtica valve-in-valve há quatro anos. A paciente havia implantado bioprótese aórtica por cirurgia há 24 anos, evoluindo com degeneração da prótese, tendo recusado a troca valvar por nova cirurgia aberta. Após avaliação de equipe multidisciplinar foi indicado o implante transcutâneo de prótese aórtica valve-in-valve. Após quatro anos, a paciente apresentou melhora da classe funcional de insuficiência cardíaca e a durabilidade da prótese tem sido satisfatória.

Although valve-in-valve implantation reports are still sparse in Brazil, they are becoming more frequent in the developed countries. This case report addresses a 73-year-old female patient who underwent a transcutaneous aortic valve-in-valve prosthesis implant four years ago, subsequent to an aortic bioprosthesis implant operation 24 years earlier that degenerated, with the patient refusing to replace the valve through a further open surgery. After evaluation, a multidisciplinary team recommended a transcutaneous aortic valve-in-valve prosthesis implant. Four years later, the functional class of her heart failure has improved and the durability of the prosthesis has been satisfactory.