Vagus nerve may hold the key to a younger and healthier heart

The secret to a healthier and "younger" heart lies in the vagus nerve. A recent study coordinated by the Sant'Anna School of Advanced Studies in Pisa and published in Science Translational Medicine has shown that preserving bilateral cardiac vagal innervation is an anti-aging factor. In particular, the right cardiac vagus nerve emerges as a true guardian of cardiomyocyte health, helping to preserve the longevity of the heart independently of heart rate.

'When the integrity of the connection to the vagus nerve is lost, the heart ages more rapidly,' explains ProfessorLionetti.

'Even partial restoration of the connection between the right vagus nerve and the heart is sufficient to counteract the mechanisms of remodelling and preserve effective cardiac contractility,' adds Anar Dushpanova, cardiologist at TrancriLab.

The contribution of bioengineering was decisive. 'We have developed an implantable bioabsorbable nerve conduit designed to promote and guide the spontaneous regeneration of the thoracic vagus nerve at the cardiac level,' explains Eugenio Redolfi Riva, co-author of the neuroprosthesis patent at Biorobotics Institute

'Taken together, these results open new perspectives for cardiothoracic and transplant surgery, suggesting that restoring cardiac vagal innervation at the time of surgery may represent an innovative strategy for long-term heart protection, shifting the clinical paradigm from managing late complications associated with premature cardiac aging to their prevention,' concludes Professor Lionetti.

Source:

Sant’Anna School of Advanced Studies, Pisa

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