VAGUS NERVE STIMULATION IN RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS (VANSRA)

这个子项目是许多研究子项目中利用 资源由NIH/NCRR资助的中心拨款提供。子项目和 调查员(PI)可能从NIH的另一个来源获得了主要资金， 并因此可以在其他清晰的条目中表示。列出的机构是 该中心不一定是调查人员的机构。 本研究的目的是观察耳穴刺激迷走神经(VNS)治疗类风湿关节炎(RA)的短期疗效。RA的特征是影响关节的慢性全身炎症，但也增加了关节外表现以及其他器官表现的风险，如心血管疾病(CVD)，这对这种疾病的发病率和死亡率有很大影响。 在此之前，我们已经研究了RA与自主神经系统功能(ANS)的关系。这项研究的初步人类数据显示，在类风湿关节炎患者中，ANS功能障碍(以心率变异性衡量)与炎症标志物之间存在关联。最终，这项研究的目标是通过调节类风湿关节炎患者的ANS来开发新的治疗概念，在减少副作用的同时对疾病标记物和结果产生有益的影响。

This subproject is one of many research subprojects utilizing the resources provided by a Center grant funded by NIH/NCRR. The subproject and investigator (PI) may have received primary funding from another NIH source, and thus could be represented in other CRISP entries. The institution listed is for the Center, which is not necessarily the institution for the investigator. The purpose of this study is to examine the short-term effects of vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) by auricular stimulation (stimulation of the auricular branch of the vagus nerve which innervates the ear) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). RA is characterized by a chronic systemic inflammation affecting the joints but also carries an increased risk for extra-articular manifestations as well as other organ manifestations such as cardiovascular disease (CVD), which significantly contributes to morbidity and mortality in this disorder. Previously, we have studied the relationship between RA and autonomic nervous system function (ANS). Preliminary human data from this study shows that there is an association between ANS dysfunction, measured as heart rate variability and inflammatory markers in RA. Ultimately the goal of this study is to develop new treatment concepts by modulating the ANS in RA with a beneficial effect on disease markers and outcome while minimizing side-effects.