Andy
Retired committee member
Abstract
This paper introduces a metric capable of tracking a hypothetical brainstem “switching” mechanism involved in regulating the afferent influence of blood pressure on the vagal efferent control of heart rate. In theory, this metric could be applied to evaluate the “efficiency” of brainstem pathways involved in common mechanisms of autonomic function involving the vagal influences on the gut as well as the heart.
Thus, by exploring the dynamic “efficiency” of the brainstem feedback circuit linking heart rate to posture, a clinically relevant index of vagal flexibility might be extracted that would provide a generalizable window into the vagal regulation of both the heart and gut. Recent research supports this contention and has documented that this metric, VE, appears to covary with disorders of the gut.
Clinical application of this metric might identify individual vulnerabilities that frequently reflect symptoms assumed to have features of a dysregulated autonomic nervous system (i.e., dysautonomia). If this is confirmed by additional research, then this objective measure of neural regulation of autonomic function might provide insight into the pathogenesis of disorders of gut–brain interaction.
Key points
This paper introduces a metric capable of tracking a hypothetical brainstem “switching” mechanism involved in regulating the afferent influence of blood pressure on the vagal efferent control of heart rate. In theory, this metric could be applied to evaluate the “efficiency” of brainstem pathways involved in common mechanisms of autonomic function involving the vagal influences on the gut as well as the heart.
Thus, by exploring the dynamic “efficiency” of the brainstem feedback circuit linking heart rate to posture, a clinically relevant index of vagal flexibility might be extracted that would provide a generalizable window into the vagal regulation of both the heart and gut. Recent research supports this contention and has documented that this metric, VE, appears to covary with disorders of the gut.
Clinical application of this metric might identify individual vulnerabilities that frequently reflect symptoms assumed to have features of a dysregulated autonomic nervous system (i.e., dysautonomia). If this is confirmed by additional research, then this objective measure of neural regulation of autonomic function might provide insight into the pathogenesis of disorders of gut–brain interaction.
Key points
- Modern healthcare often focuses on symptoms without addressing underlying neural mechanisms, which can lead to fragmented care and missed root causes.
- Prioritizing symptom relief without addressing underlying neural issues can lead to misdiagnoses, inappropriate treatments, and prolonged mediciine use.
- Monitoring a novel metric of dynamic autonomic regulation, vagal efficiency, is proposed to offer valuable insights into the autonomic nervous system’s role in promoting optimal gut function and general health.
