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[Research progress in vagus nerve stimulation for the intervention of osteoarthritis]
Yifan Zheng1, Maoxiao Ma2, Jiayi Guo2
1Graduate School, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha 410208, Hunan, China.
Abstract:
Osteoarthritis (OA) represents one of the most prevalent forms of chronic joint disease. Although conventional therapeutic strategies offer symptomatic relief to a certain extent, their efficacy and applicability are constrained by notable limitations and deficiencies. Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS), emerging as a novel therapeutic modality, has garnered increasing attention due to its operational simplicity, demonstrated efficacy, and independence from geographical constraints. Accumulating evidence indicates that VNS modulates the autonomic nervous system, thereby suppressing pro-inflammatory cytokines and promoting the polarization of macrophages toward an anti-inflammatory phenotype, ultimately alleviating OA symptoms. However, controversies persist regarding optimal stimulation parameters, potential adverse effects, and the overall therapeutic efficacy of VNS. This review summarizes current research advances and unresolved challenges concerning the application of VNS in OA management. Furthermore, it elucidates the underlying mechanisms by which vagus nerve intervention mitigates OA pathology, providing a reference for future research directions in this field.
Insights
Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) shows promise for osteoarthritis (OA) by reducing inflammation. Further research is needed to confirm optimal parameters and safety for this novel OA therapy.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Neurology
- Immunology
Background:
- Osteoarthritis (OA) is a widespread degenerative joint disease with limited treatment options.
- Current OA therapies provide only partial symptom relief and have drawbacks.
- Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) is an emerging, non-invasive therapy for OA.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current research on VNS for OA management.
- To explore the mechanisms of VNS in mitigating OA pathology.
- To identify challenges and future research directions for VNS in OA.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing studies on VNS and OA.
- Analysis of VNS's impact on the autonomic nervous system and inflammatory markers.
- Examination of macrophage polarization in response to VNS.
Main Results:
- VNS modulates the autonomic nervous system to suppress pro-inflammatory cytokines.
- VNS promotes a shift towards anti-inflammatory macrophage phenotypes.
- Evidence suggests VNS can alleviate OA symptoms.
Conclusions:
- VNS presents a novel therapeutic approach for osteoarthritis.
- Understanding VNS mechanisms, optimal parameters, and safety is crucial.
- Further research is warranted to establish VNS efficacy and application in OA.
