Vagal tone: effects on sensitivity, motility, and inflammation

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Gastroenterology
• Autonomic Nervous System

Background:

• The vagus nerve (VN) is crucial for the brain-gut axis, mediating bidirectional communication.
• It integrates visceral sensations and modulates gastrointestinal (GI) functions via efferent pathways.
• Low vagal tone, indicated by heart rate variability, is linked to functional digestive disorders and inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD).

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the role of the vagus nerve in gastrointestinal function and nociception.
• To investigate vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) as a therapeutic strategy for restoring vagal tone in digestive disorders.
• To highlight innovative VNS approaches for modulating GI functions.

Main Methods:

• Review of the autonomic nervous system's role in the brain-gut axis.
• Assessment of vagal tone using heart rate variability.
• Discussion of therapeutic interventions including VNS (invasive and non-invasive).

Main Results:

• Low vagal tone is a biomarker in functional digestive disorders and IBD.
• VNS demonstrates potential in modulating gastrointestinal nociception, motility, and inflammation.
• Current evidence supports VNS's role in regulating GI functions.

Conclusions:

• Restoring normal vagal tone is a therapeutic goal for digestive diseases.
• VNS represents an innovative approach alongside traditional treatments.
• Further research supports VNS for managing gastrointestinal conditions.