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Autonomic Neuroscience : Basic &... Dec 2021In Wilson's disease (WD), copper accumulation can result in neurological manifestations, particularly extrapyramidal symptoms. There are some data that the autonomic... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
In Wilson's disease (WD), copper accumulation can result in neurological manifestations, particularly extrapyramidal symptoms. There are some data that the autonomic nervous system (ANS) may also be affected, and we aimed to systematically review available studies evaluating ANS dysfunction in WD.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
We conducted a systematic review of the literature using the PubMed database (up to 31st August 2020), with search terms including "autonomic" and "function" and "Wilson's disease".
RESULTS
Fourteen studies, including 297 patients with neurological, hepatic or psychiatric forms of WD were retrieved. The most frequent methods used for ANS evaluation were orthostatic tests, which were performed in seven studies, with a number of other tests less frequently used. The incidence of ANS abnormalities ranged from ~8% to 79.2%, depending on the evaluation method. ANS abnormalities in patients with WD were often clinically asymptomatic. The features of dysautonomia were more common among patients with neurological symptoms and ANS abnormalities were more common in patients with severe brain injury. Studies confirmed both sympathetic and parasympathetic ANS impairment. The pathophysiology of ANS damage was not clear but may result from central, peripheral nervous system and direct cardiac involvement. Clear improvements were observed in four studies after anti-copper therapy initiation.
CONCLUSION
Both sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions of the ANS may be affected in WD. The observed ambiguities regarding ANS abnormalities in WD patients may arise from small study groups, differences in methodology, and a lack of comprehensive ANS evaluation; however, the results indicate that further studies are warranted.
Topics: Autonomic Nervous System; Autonomic Nervous System Diseases; Copper; Hepatolenticular Degeneration; Humans
PubMed: 34656966
DOI: 10.1016/j.autneu.2021.102890 -
Journal of Voice : Official Journal of... Jan 2021The study aimed to verify the relation between autonomic nervous system (ANS) dysfunctions, voice, and dysphonia. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
OBJECTIVE
The study aimed to verify the relation between autonomic nervous system (ANS) dysfunctions, voice, and dysphonia.
STUDY DESIGN
The study is a systematic review.
METHODS
According to the PRISMA flowchart, a search on Pubmed/Medline, SciELO, RCAAP, LILACS, Cochrane Library, PEDro, and Isi Web of Knowledge was performed up to April 2019 using the following key words: autonomic nervous system and voice or dysphonia. Inclusion criteria were full-text articles published in French, English, Portuguese, or Spanish, exploring the relationship between ANS and voice or dysphonia, in human adults. Exclusion criteria were additional treatments for voice disorders, literature reviews and meta-analysis, case studies, and opinion articles. All studies were analyzed using a modified version of the Newcastle-Ottawa scale.
RESULTS
Nine papers met the inclusion criteria, all with high methodological quality. The review shows that ANS is related to voice and dysphonia. Individuals with dysphonia tend to show more symptoms of ANS dysfunction concurrent with laryngeal muscles activation and that heartbeat modulates the F0 of human voice.
CONCLUSION
Changes in ANS function are associated with voice as well as with dysphonia.
Topics: Adult; Autonomic Nervous System; Dysphonia; Heart Rate; Hoarseness; Humans; Voice
PubMed: 31473075
DOI: 10.1016/j.jvoice.2019.07.022 -
Frontiers in Neuroscience 2021Autonomic nervous system (ANS) dysfunction has been suggested to contribute to the high prevalence of cardiovascular complications in individuals with anorexia nervosa...
Autonomic nervous system (ANS) dysfunction has been suggested to contribute to the high prevalence of cardiovascular complications in individuals with anorexia nervosa (AN), yet has not been thoroughly investigated. The current review aimed to synthesize the evidence of basal ANS function in individuals with a current diagnosis of AN and those with a previous diagnosis who had achieved weight restoration, as compared to controls. A systematic review of nine databases was conducted and studies that were published in a peer-review journal, in English, that included at least one assessment of ANS function in individuals with a current or previous diagnosis of AN were selected. Forty-six studies were included with a total of 811 participants with a current diagnosis of AN and 123 participants with a previous diagnosis of AN. ANS function was assessed through heart rate variability ( = 27), orthostatic challenge, blood pressure variability or baroreflex sensitivity ( = 11), adrenergic activity ( = 14), skin conductance level ( = 4), and pupillometry ( = 1). Individuals with AN demonstrated increased parasympathetic activity and decreased sympathetic activity, suggestive of autonomic dysregulation. Following weight restoration, autonomic function trended toward, or was equivalent to, control levels. Autonomic dysregulation is indicated through a range of assessments in individuals with AN. Future investigations should utilize a variety of assessments together in order to conclusively establish the nature of autonomic dysfunction in AN, and following extended weight restoration. Moreover, investigation into the co-occurrence of ANS function and cardiovascular risk is required.
PubMed: 34262430
DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2021.682208 -
Progress in Brain Research 2023This systematic review explores the influence of silence on the autonomic nervous system. The Polyvagal Theory has been used as a reference model to describe the...
This systematic review explores the influence of silence on the autonomic nervous system. The Polyvagal Theory has been used as a reference model to describe the autonomic nervous system by explaining its role in emotional regulation, social engagement, and adaptive physiological responses. PubMed, Scopus, PsycInfo, EMBASE, and Google Scholar were systematically searched up until July 2023 for relevant studies. The literature search yielded 511 results, and 37 studies were eventually included in this review. Silence affects the autonomic nervous system differently based on whether it is inner or outer silence. Inner silence enhances activity of the ventral vagus, favoring social engagement, and reducing sympathetic nervous system activity and physiological stress. Outer silence, conversely, can induce a heightened state of alertness, potentially triggering vagal brake removal and sympathetic nervous system activation, though with training, it can foster inner silence, preventing such activation. The autonomic nervous system response to silence can also be influenced by other factors such as context, familiarity with silence, presence and quality of outer noise, and empathy.
Topics: Humans; Autonomic Nervous System; Vagus Nerve; Emotional Regulation; Empathy; Recognition, Psychology
PubMed: 37714570
DOI: 10.1016/bs.pbr.2023.08.001 -
The Journal of the Canadian... Dec 2023To identify, appraise and synthesize the evidence of autonomic nervous system (ANS) dysfunction following sport-related concussion in pediatric populations.
OBJECTIVE
To identify, appraise and synthesize the evidence of autonomic nervous system (ANS) dysfunction following sport-related concussion in pediatric populations.
METHODS
A literature search was conducted using MEDLINE (Ovid), SportDiscus (EBSCO), CINAHL (EBSCO), EMBASE (Ovid) and PsycINFO (Ovid). Studies were selected and appraised using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) critical appraisal tools. Data was extracted from the included studies and qualitatively synthesized.
RESULTS
Eleven studies were included in the synthesis. There was variability in the methods used to measure ANS function between studies, and sample populations and time to assessment following concussion varied considerably. There was also variability in the direction of change of ANS function between some studies.
CONCLUSION
This systematic review identifies that concussion is associated with dysregulation of ANS function in pediatric athletes. We identified some weaknesses in the extant literature which may be due to existing logistical and financial barriers to implementing valid ANS measurements in clinical and sports settings.
PubMed: 38283159
DOI: No ID Found -
World Journal of Clinical Cases Aug 2023It is common for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection to occur in the gastrointestinal tract, which can present itself as an initial...
BACKGROUND
It is common for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection to occur in the gastrointestinal tract, which can present itself as an initial symptom. The severity of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is often reflected in the prevalence of gastrointestinal symptoms. COVID-19 can damage the nerve supply to the digestive system, leading to gastrointestinal autonomic dysfunction. There is still much to learn about how COVID-19 affects the autonomic nervous system and the gastrointestinal tract.
AIM
To thoroughly explore the epidemiology and clinical aspects of COVID-19-induced gastrointestinal autonomic dysfunction, including its manifestations, potential mechanisms, diagnosis, differential diagnosis, impact on quality of life, prognosis, and management and prevention strategies.
METHODS
We conducted a thorough systematic search across various databases and performed an extensive literature review. Our review encompassed 113 studies published in English from January 2000 to April 18, 2023.
RESULTS
According to most of the literature, gastrointestinal autonomic dysfunction can seriously affect a patient's quality of life and ultimate prognosis. Numerous factors can influence gastrointestinal autonomic nervous functions. Studies have shown that SARS-CoV-2 has a well-documented affinity for both neural and gastrointestinal tissues, and the virus can produce various gastrointestinal symptoms by reaching neural tissues through different pathways. These symptoms include anorexia, dysgeusia, heartburn, belching, chest pain, regurgitation, vomiting, epigastric burn, diarrhea, abdominal pain, bloating, irregular bowel movements, and constipation. Diarrhea is the most prevalent symptom, followed by anorexia, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Although COVID-19 vaccination may rarely induce autonomic dysfunction and gastrointestinal symptoms, COVID-19-induced autonomic effects significantly impact the patient's condition, general health, prognosis, and quality of life. Early diagnosis and proper recognition are crucial for improving outcomes. It is important to consider the differential diagnosis, as these symptoms may be induced by diseases other than COVID-19-induced autonomic dysfunction. Treating this dysfunction can be a challenging task.
CONCLUSION
To ensure the best possible outcomes for COVID-19 patients, it is essential to take a multidisciplinary approach involving providing supportive care, treating the underlying infection, managing dysfunction, monitoring for complications, and offering nutritional support. Close monitoring of the patient's condition is crucial, and prompt intervention should be taken if necessary. Furthermore, conducting thorough research on the gastrointestinal autonomic dysfunction caused by COVID-19 is vital to manage it effectively.
PubMed: 37621592
DOI: 10.12998/wjcc.v11.i22.5252 -
The Clinical Journal of Pain Apr 2021Chronic pain is a common and debilitating health problem that impacts up to one third of children and adolescents. The pathophysiological mechanisms of chronic pain are...
OBJECTIVES
Chronic pain is a common and debilitating health problem that impacts up to one third of children and adolescents. The pathophysiological mechanisms of chronic pain are complex, but considerable research links dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) and chronic pain in adults. No review of ANS functioning has been conducted in pediatric chronic pain. We systematically reviewed studies examining ANS activity among youth with primary chronic pain conditions.
METHODS
A systematic search of PsycINFO, PubMed, and CINAHL was conducted using specific search terms. Articles were included if studies measured heart rate, blood pressure, heart rate variability, galvanic skin responses, or pupillometry among children or adolescents with a chronic pain condition. Studies examining these factors in the context of a specific disease-related pain condition were excluded.
RESULTS
Of the 1304 articles screened, 15 studies met the criteria for inclusion in this review. All included studies were cross-sectional and primarily included youth with abdominal pain. Results revealed preliminary evidence of reduced parasympathetic activity among youth with pain as measured by heart rate variability. However, results were mixed across ANS indices. Measurement and procedural differences, in addition to a lack of control groups in some studies, limit the interpretability of the reviewed findings.
DISCUSSION
Additional studies with larger and more diverse samples of youth with various chronic primary pain conditions are needed to delineate possible relationships among ANS functioning and the development and maintenance of chronic pain in children and adolescents. Clinical implications and avenues for future research are discussed.
Topics: Abdominal Pain; Adolescent; Adult; Autonomic Nervous System; Child; Chronic Pain; Cross-Sectional Studies; Heart Rate; Humans
PubMed: 33656000
DOI: 10.1097/AJP.0000000000000915 -
Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews Jan 2021Pupillometry, measuring pupil size and reactivity, has been proposed as a measure of autonomic nervous system functioning, the latter which might be altered in... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Pupillometry, measuring pupil size and reactivity, has been proposed as a measure of autonomic nervous system functioning, the latter which might be altered in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This study aims to evaluate if pupillary responses differ in individuals with and without ASD. After performing a systematic literature search, we conducted a meta-analysis and constructed a qualitative synthesis. The meta-analysis shows a longer latency of the pupil response in the ASD-group as a substantial group difference, with a Hedges' g of 1.03 (95% CI 0.49-1.56, p = 0.008). Evidence on baseline pupil size and amplitude change is conflicting. We used the framework method to perform a qualitative evaluation of these differences. Explanations for the group differences vary between studies and are inconclusive, but many authors point to involvement of the autonomous nervous system and more specifically the locus coeruleus-norepinephrine system. Pupillometry reveals differences between people with and without ASD, but the exact meaning of these differences remains unknown. Future studies should align research designs and investigate a possible effect of maturation.
Topics: Attention; Autism Spectrum Disorder; Humans; Locus Coeruleus; Norepinephrine
PubMed: 33172600
DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2020.09.032 -
Sleep Medicine Reviews Jun 2021Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is an independent risk factor for hypertension and cardiovascular disease. Effects of OSA on the autonomic nervous system may mediate this... (Review)
Review
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is an independent risk factor for hypertension and cardiovascular disease. Effects of OSA on the autonomic nervous system may mediate this association. We performed a systematic literature review to determine the profile of autonomic function associated with OSA. Three electronic databases were searched for studies of OSA patients aged ≥18 years in which autonomic function was assessed. Studies comparing patients with and without OSA, or examining the association of OSA severity with changes in autonomic function were included. Seventy-one studies met the inclusion criteria and autonomic function has been assessed using a range of techniques. The profile of autonomic function found in OSA include increased sympathetic activity, reduced parasympathetic activity and less consistently found low heart rate variability. Altered autonomic function in OSA may explain the pathophysiology of increased cardiovascular risk. Evidence from intervention studies is required to determine if treatment improves autonomic function associated with OSA.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Autonomic Nervous System; Heart Rate; Humans; Hypertension; Polysomnography; Sleep Apnea, Obstructive
PubMed: 33839505
DOI: 10.1016/j.smrv.2021.101470 -
The interplay between DNA methylation and cardiac autonomic system functioning: a systematic review.International Journal of Environmental... Jan 2023Epigenetic marks, particularly DNA methylation (DNAm), are emerging as an important biological marker of susceptibility to cardiac autonomic dysfunction. This review... (Review)
Review
Epigenetic marks, particularly DNA methylation (DNAm), are emerging as an important biological marker of susceptibility to cardiac autonomic dysfunction. This review summarizes recent discoveries about the association between DNAm and cardiac autonomic activity. A systematic literature search was performed through the Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Pubmed, PsycINFO, and Pilots databases. Twenty-two studies met inclusion criteria, of which 18 were human studies including a total of 2,686 participants. DNAm differences in multiple genes, such as , and , linked environmental stressors to physiological responses. For instance, exposure to psychosocial stressors increased methylation, which was associated with both decreased blood pressure and increased parasympathetic activity. Additionally, played a potential role in cardiac autonomic dysfunction in an occupational setting, affecting the heart rate's deceleration capacity in welders. This review's findings suggest that DNAm is involved in cardiac autonomic regulation under different stress-mediated responses.
Topics: Humans; DNA Methylation; Autonomic Nervous System; Biomarkers
PubMed: 34753378
DOI: 10.1080/09603123.2021.2000590