| Literature DB >> 20658318 |
Abstract
In heart failure, an inflammatory response may occur. The relationship between inflammatory cytokines, NOS and heart failure progression remains uncertain. Parasympathetic activation can affect heart rate and AV conduction. In heart failure, a relationship between the vagus nerve and the inflammatory response has been proposed. Vagal nerve stimulation can modulate the inflammatory response and affect specific inflammatory mediators including nitric oxide that may be contributory to continued or progressive heart failure. Therefore, vagal nerve stimulation may have beneficial effects that are independent from heart rate or AV conduction in heart failure. Challenges remain regarding the relationship between specific inflammatory markers and heart failure and how to best modulate the cytokines and NOS in patients to achieve beneficial effects. Future studies need to evaluate whether modulating inflammatory cytokines and NOS via vagal nerve stimulation can improve cardiac performance and outcomes in patients with heart failure.Entities:
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Year: 2011 PMID: 20658318 DOI: 10.1007/s10741-010-9184-4
Source DB: PubMed Journal: Heart Fail Rev ISSN: 1382-4147 Impact factor: 4.214