Increased neuroplasticity may protect against cardiovascular disease

Abstract

Neuroplasticity refers to the capacity of the nervous system to modify its organization such that the brain can be shaped by environmental input. Individuals exhibit different degrees of neuroplasticity because of their different courses of growth. Neuroplasticity may thus play a role in individual differences in the treatment of neuropsychiatric diseases. The nervous system monitors and coordinates internal organ function. Thus neuroplasticity may also be associated with the pathogenesis and the treatment of some other diseases besides neuropsychiatric diseases. The cardiovascular system is controlled by the nervous system, mainly by the autonomic nervous system. Stress may lead to depression and cardiovascular disease (CVD). CVD is associated with depression, which is a disorder of decreased neuroplasticity. And the mechanisms of depression and CVD are related. So we conclude that decreased neuroplasticity causes the coexistence of depression with CVD, and increased neuroplasticity may be beneficial against the development of CVD. This theory provides another angle that can explain some of the reported phenomena related to CVD and neuropsychiatry and provide a potential treatment to protect against CVD.

Mental Ill-Health and Heart Failure Comorbidity

“…If stress can influence the HPA axis, increasing glucocorticoid levels, this will reduce BDNF concentration and decrease neuroplasticity, leading to depression. If neuroplasticity is the ability of the nervous system to respond to stimuli by reorganizing its structure, function and connections [17], a decrease will impact the autonomic nervous system, both directly and through the HPA axis and the hippocampus; causing autonomic dysfunction, which could possibly lead to CVD [57]. This raises the question; are certain patients 'predisposed' to developing a mental illness with CVD?…”

Decreased Neuroplasticity May Play a Role in Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Implication From the Comorbidity of Depression and Irritable Bowel Syndrome

“…As suggested by the reviewing paper, besides depression, IBS is also closely associated with stress, which may decrease neuroplasticity. 1,3 The levels of both glucocorticoid and BDNF in IBS, which are critical factors in neuroplasticity, are similar to those in depression. For example, cortisol was elevated in all IBS subgroups (diarrhea predominant, constipated, and alternators) in humans, 7 and IBS rats showed depressionand anxiety-like behaviors associated with decreased BDNF expression in the hippocampus after chronic acute combining stress.…”

“…A meta-analysis showed a significant reduction of serum BDNF level in depression. 3 Shortened and reduced complexity of dendritic trees have been found in the hippocampus and the prefrontal cortex in depression. Antidepressant treatment increases the expression of BDNF and can enhance neuroplasticity.…”

“…2 The nervous system monitors and coordinates internal organ function, therefore we have proposed that neuroplasticity may also be associated with the pathogenesis of other diseases besides neuropsychiatric diseases. 3 IBS has been generally considered to be caused by alterations in the brain-gut axis. 4 Thus neuroplasticity may be related to the pathogenesis of IBS.…”

“…Neuroplasticity is disrupted in mood disorders and depression is a disorder of decreased neuroplasticity. 3,5 It is widely accepted that stress triggers the activation of the HPA axis and causes the brain to be exposed to corticosteroids, affects neurobehavioral functions with a strong down-regulation of hippocampal neurogenesis, and is a pivotal risk factor for depression. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a critical cytokine in neuronal survival, morphogenesis, and plasticity.…”