No abstract

Inflammation is a major player in many cardiovascular diseases including hypertension, atherosclerosis, myocardial infarction, and heart failure. In many individuals, these conditions coexist and mutually exacerbate each other’s progression. The pathophysiology of these diseases entails the active involvement of both innate and adaptive immune cells. Immune cells that possess the α7 subunit of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7-nAChR) on their surface, have the potential to be targeted through both pharmacological and electrical stimulation of the cholinergic system. The cholinergic system regulates the inflammatory response to various stressors in different organ systems via systematically suppressing spleen-derived monocytes and chemokines, and locally improving immune cell function. Research on the cardiovascular system has demonstrated the potential for atheroma plaque stabilization and regression as favorable outcomes. Smaller infarct size and reduced fibrosis have been associated with improved cardiac function and a decrease in adverse cardiac remodeling. Furthermore, enhanced electrical stability of the myocardium can lead to a reduction in the incidence of ventricular tachyarrhythmia. Additionally, improving mitochondrial dysfunction and decreasing oxidative stress can result in less myocardial tissue damage caused by reperfusion injury. Restoring baroreflex activity and reduction in renal damage can promote blood pressure regulation and help counteract hypertension. Thus, the present review highlights the potential of nicotinic acetylcholine receptor activation as a natural approach to alleviate the adverse consequences of inflammation in the cardiovascular system.

No abstract

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is one of the most frequently occurring arrhythmias globally. Risk factors such as aging, hypertension, cardiac and pulmonary diseases, alcohol consumption, smoking, obesity and obstructive sleep apnea play an important role in the development of AF.(1-2) AF is a leading cause of ischemic stroke worldwide and is associated with increased mortality. (3) AF management depends on four pillars: risk factor management, anticoagulation depending on the CHA2DS2-VASc score, rate control and rhythm control. (4) The application of thermal energy in ablation, such as in cryoablation, can cause rare complications such as an esophageal injury, esophageal perforation and atrial-esophageal fistula. (5,6). Numerous technologies have been developed to avoid this problem and include esophageal temperature surveillance, using reduced