The secret to maintaining a healthier and “younger” heart may lie in the vagus nerve, according to a groundbreaking study conducted by the Sant’Anna School of Advanced Studies in Pisa. Published in the prestigious journal Science Translational Medicine, the research highlights how preserving bilateral cardiac vagal innervation serves as a significant anti-aging factor. Notably, the right cardiac vagus nerve emerges as a crucial protector of cardiomyocyte health, ensuring the heart’s longevity independently of heart rate.
This discovery is the result of a multidisciplinary approach integrating experimental medicine and bioengineering, particularly within the realm of cardiovascular research. The study was spearheaded by the Translational Critical Care Unit (TrancriLab) at the Interdisciplinary Research Center Health Science, led by Professor Vincenzo Lionetti, in collaboration with the Biorobotics Institute under Professor Silvestro Micera. Their efforts were instrumental in developing a bioabsorbable nerve conduit to facilitate vagal regeneration.
Innovative Research and Collaborative Efforts
The experimental work was carried out in Pisa, supported by European FET (Future and Emerging Technologies) funding through the NeuHeart project, alongside contributions from PNRR funds within the Tuscany Health Ecosystem. The study brought together a wide network of Italian and international institutions, including the Scuola Normale Superiore, the University of Pisa, and the Fondazione Toscana G. Monasterio, among others.
Professor Lionetti explains the significance of their findings:
‘When the integrity of the connection to the vagus nerve is lost, the heart ages more rapidly.’
This insight underscores the importance of maintaining the vagal connection for cardiac health.
Bioengineering’s Role in Cardiac Health
The contribution of bioengineering to this study was pivotal. Eugenio Redolfi Riva, a co-author of the neuroprosthesis patent at the Biorobotics Institute, elaborates:
‘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.’
This innovative approach could revolutionize how cardiac health is managed, particularly in surgical settings.
Implications for Cardiothoracic and Transplant Surgery
The findings from this study open new avenues for cardiothoracic and transplant surgery. Restoring cardiac vagal innervation during surgery could become a novel strategy for long-term heart protection. Professor Lionetti concludes:
‘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.’
Future Directions and Clinical Paradigms
The study’s results suggest a shift in clinical paradigms from managing late complications associated with premature cardiac aging to their prevention. This proactive approach could significantly impact how heart diseases are treated, emphasizing prevention over cure.
As research continues, the potential for integrating these findings into clinical practice grows. The collaboration between experimental medicine and bioengineering exemplifies how interdisciplinary efforts can lead to significant advancements in medical science, offering hope for improved cardiac health and longevity.
Looking ahead, further studies are needed to explore the full potential of vagal nerve preservation and regeneration in clinical settings. The ongoing research promises to enhance our understanding of cardiac health and pave the way for innovative treatments that could transform patient outcomes worldwide.
