A recent study has claimed that stimulation of the vagus nerve in rheumatoid arthritis patients may help to relieve their symptoms. The study has found "robust" response in people suffering from the condition.
The study conducted at the Feinstein Institute for Medical Research discovered that implanting a device that stimulated the vagus nerve in rheumatoid arthritis patients helps patients improve significantly. The research team from the Feinstein Institute for Medical Research, University of Amsterdam and SetPoint Medical wanted to see whether stimulating the inflammatory reflex directly helps improve the condition of the patients.
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder in which one's own immune system starts attacking the joints. The condition is characterized by inflamed and painful joints. The cause of the disease is not known yet, however, the treatment methods aim to reduce or stop the inflammation. This, in turn, relieves the symptoms; stop further damage and reduces the chances of future complications.
The same technique has previously proved successful in animals. However, the new study conducted on a small group of human subjects suggests that this form of treatment could be really effective. In fact, it could also be used for other forms of inflammatory diseases as well.
Dr. Kevin Tracey, CEO of the Feinstein Institute for Medical Research described the recent study as the "real breakthrough." Until now, the researchers had no proof that electric stimulation of the vagus nerve inhibits cytokine production and reduced the severity of the disease in humans.
According to Tracey, the recent study is bound to change the way how people see modern medicine. The study proves that human nerves can, with a little help, produce the chemicals to help the body heal itself out of a condition.
The complete details of the study have been published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
