Vagus Nerve Stimulation: A Promising Approach to Alleviate Pain and Systemic Inflammation in Slow and Rapid Models of Osteoarthritis

Poster Presenter: Shivmurat Yadav, PhD, Postdoctoral Fellow, University of Oklahoma College of Medicine

Poster Title: Vagus Nerve Stimulation: A Promising Approach to Alleviate Pain and Systemic Inflammation in Slow and Rapid Models of Osteoarthritis

Poster session A: Saturday, Nov. 16

What is your poster about?
“We tested the hypothesis that transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation (tVNS) treatment would alleviate pain and slow the progression of post-traumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA) using the forced tibial compression anterior cruciate ligament rupture model in mice. We found that two weeks of tVNS significantly improved two forms of pain: hyperalgesia and allodynia. More importantly, we found that two weeks of tVNS given daily for 10 minutes significantly reduced PTOA progression, as shown by reduced OARSI scores. We tested both genders independently and found positive effects of tVNS in both sexes. Interestingly, in response to knee injury and to tVNS compared to sham therapy, we identified very different serum cytokine responses in males and females. Our studies indicate that tVNS modulates neuroimmune interactions, offering a novel, non-invasive solution for managing OA pain and potentially slowing the progression of OA joint damage.”

Why did you decide to investigate this topic?
“OA affects 53 million Americans, and currently, there are no therapeutics to slow the progression and treat pain without side effects. We have previously studied tVNS as a therapy for atrial fibrillation, where it decreases atrial fibrillation, and in heart failure with preserved ejection (HFpEF), where it decreases cardiac fibrosis and immune cell infiltration into the heart. We hoped that tVNS would alter joint remodeling after injury or reduce pain in osteoarthritis. Excitingly, our results show that tVNS improved both.”

What are you working on next related to this research?
“Next, we are focusing on exploring how tVNS reduces pain and reduces joint damage in PTOA. We are performing ACL-rupture and tVNS treatment in mice lacking key genes for proteins needed for VNS-induced cholinergic anti-inflammatory effects. We are also looking at gene expression changes in the joint synovium, the spleen, and the dorsal root ganglia. We are also testing tVNS in other PTOA models.”

What excites you most about your work?
“The most exciting aspect of our work is the potential for tVNS to revolutionize OA treatment by providing a non-pharmacological option for slowing the progression of PTOA and providing pain relief. The prospect of translating these findings into clinical applications is incredibly motivating.”

What are you most looking forward to at ACR Convergence 2024 in Washington, D.C.?
“I am most excited about networking with fellow researchers, scientists, and clinicians at ACR Convergence 2024 to exchange ideas and insights that will enrich my work. The opportunity to engage with experts across disciplines is invaluable. Additionally, I look forward to learning about the latest advancements in rheumatology and discovering how they can be integrated into my research on OA.”