Background/aims: Vagal dysfunction is reported in about 70% of patients with cirrhosis, irrespective of aetiology, as detected by cardiovascular reflex tests. We have previously shown that RR-variability on 24-h ECG is a more sensitive marker of vagal dysfunction in cirrhosis. Angiotensin II inhibits vagal function in animals, and it is elevated in cirrhosis and may be the cause of the vagal dysfunction. Our aim was to observe the effect of captopril on vagal dysfunction in cirrhosis.
Methods: Eight patients with cirrhosis (biopsy proven, male two, female six, mean age 54.25) had 24-h ECG RR-variability performed. They then received captopril 25 mg t.d.s. for 48 h. The 24-h ECG was repeated on therapy.
Results: Mean blood pressure remained unchanged: baseline 89.8 +/- 4.8 mmHg (mean +/- sem) versus 91.8 +/- 5.9 mmHg, p = not significant. Median baseline RR-variability was 791 (range 18-5344) counts/24 h and increased in all but one patient, with captopril, to 1548 (56-4824) p = 0.008. Three increased into the normal range.
Conclusion: The vagal dysfunction of cirrhosis is caused by neuromodulation by angiotensin II and is not due to a neuropathy.
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http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/s0168-8278(97)80049-9 | DOI Listing |
Pediatr Nephrol
January 2025
Cardiology Department, Faculty of Medicine (Girls), Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt.
Background: Changes in cardiac function and structure as well as their association with the cardiac autonomic nervous system remain incompletely characterized in children with stage 5 chronic kidney disease (CKD) receiving hemodialysis (HD).
Methods: A prospective observational cohort study was conducted on 40 Egyptian children with CKD on regular HD compared to 40 age- and sex-matched healthy children. All participants underwent thorough clinical examination, laboratory investigations, 24-h Holter monitoring, and 2D/4D echocardiographic study (conventional and advanced modalities).
Sci Rep
January 2025
Affective Psychology Department, Institute of Psychology, Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary.
The gut–brain axis, a bidirectional communication pathway, permits the central nervous system (CNS) to exert influence over gastrointestinal function in response to stress, while the gut microbiota regulates the CNS via immune, neuroendocrine, and vagal pathways. Current research highlights the importance of the gut microbiota in stress-related disorders and the need for further research into the mechanisms of gut–brain communication, with potential therapeutic implications for a wide range of health conditions. This is a challenge taken on in this Collection on the Gut-Brain Axis.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFNat Commun
January 2025
The Fleischer Institute for Diabetes and Metabolism, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, USA.
The visceral organ-brain axis, mediated by vagal sensory neurons, is essential for maintaining various physiological functions. Here, we investigate the impact of liver-projecting vagal sensory neurons on energy balance, hepatic steatosis, and anxiety-like behavior in mice under obesogenic conditions. A small subset of vagal sensory neurons innervate the liver and project centrally to the nucleus of the tractus solitarius, area postrema, and dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus, and peripherally to the periportal areas in the liver.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFEur J Nutr
January 2025
Postgraduate Program in Movement Sciences, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Presidente Prudente, São Paulo, Brazil.
Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the acute effects of beetroot extract and resveratrol supplementation (isolated and combined) on cardiac autonomic modulation and cardiovascular parameters recovery after exercise in individuals with coronary artery disease (CAD).
Methods: 14 males with CAD were submitted to 4 protocols consisting of 30 min (min) of rest, 30 min of aerobic exercise on a treadmill (60% of the heart rate reserve HRR), followed by 30 min of recovery. Before each protocol, the subjects consumed 500 mg of starch (placebo protocol), 500 mg of beetroot (beetroot protocol), or 500 mg of resveratrol (resveratrol protocol), or 500 mg of beetroot and 500 mg of resveratrol (combined protocol).
Stress Health
February 2025
Prevention Science Institute, University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon, USA.
College students use substances for varied reasons, including to cope with stress. The parasympathetic nervous system (PNS) regulates bodily functions to promote energy conservation (the 'rest and digest' response), and individuals differ in their physiological sensitivity to challenge. It remains unclear whether greater PNS responses (i.
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