RESUMEN
Chronic neuropathic pain (CNP) is a complex condition often arising from neural maladaptation after nerve injury. Understanding CNP complications involves the intricate interplay between brain-heart dynamics, assessed through quantitative electroencephalogram (qEEG) and heart rate variability (HRV). However, insights into their interaction in chronic pain are limited. Resting EEG and simultaneous electrocardiogram (lead II) of the participants were recorded for qEEG and HRV analysis. Correlations between HRV and qEEG parameters were calculated and compared with age, sex, and body mass index (BMI)-matched controls. CNP patients showed reduced HRV and significant increases in qEEG power spectral densities within delta, theta, and beta frequency ranges. A positive correlation was found between low frequency/ high frequency (LF/HF) ratio in HRV analysis and theta, alpha, and beta frequency bands in qEEG among CNP patients. However, no significant correlation was observed between parasympathetic indices and theta, beta bands in qEEG within CNP group, unlike age, sex, and BMI-matched healthy controls. CNP patients display significant HRV reductions and distinctive qEEG patterns. While healthy controls exhibit significant correlations between parasympathetic HRV parameters and qEEG spectral densities, these relationships are diminished or absent in CNP individuals. LF/HF ratio, reflecting sympathovagal balance, correlates significantly with qEEG frequency bands (theta, alpha, beta), illuminating autonomic dysregulation in CNP. These findings emphasize the intricate brain-heart interplay in chronic pain, warranting further exploration.
RESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Obesity has a strong association with the risk of developing cognitive impairment and dementia at a later age. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and its receptor appear to be important components in cognitive function and are also involved in energy homeostasis. The level of circulating BDNF and its association with cognition has yet to be delineated clearly. In this work we studied the association of circulating BDNF with cognition among the adult obese population. METHODS: The study involved 132 healthy participants between 18 and 40 years of age and of both sexes. The participants were categorized into an obesity group (n=66) and a non-obese group (n=66) based on their body mass index (Asian criteria). The level of cognitive performance was assessed by the event-related potentials P300 (ERPs-P300), mini-mental state examination (MMSE), both visual and auditory reaction times (VRT and ART, respectively), and other pen and paper tests related to memory and executive function. Serum BDNF, glycemic and lipid profiles were estimated. RESULTS: We found significant differences in the ERPs-P300 latency (P<0.001) and amplitude (P=0.002) between the non-obese and obese group. The MMSE score was significantly reduced while VRT (P=0.005) and ART (P=0.001) were larger in the obese group. BDNF levels (P<0.001) were significantly reduced and negatively associated with the obese group. ERPs-P300 latency was negatively associated (r=-0.674, P=0.001) whereas amplitude (r=0.507, P<0.001) was positively associated with the BDNF levels in the adult obese population. CONCLUSION: We found reduced circulating BDNF levels in obese adults and that lower BDNF levels were strongly associated with cognitive decline in the obese adult population.
RESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Exercise is a lifestyle change that has been recommended for lowering atherogenic index in adults. The intensity and duration of exercise to bring about a change in the lipid parameters are yet to be determined. Previous studies examining the effects of exercise intensity on lipid and lipoprotein levels have reported conflicting findings. Thus we aimed at determining the changes in lipid profile in sedentary obese adults influenced by different intensity of exercise. METHODOLOGY: Study included 51 obese adults with sedentary lifestyle. Participants performed exercise of moderate intensity (n=22) and high intermittent intensity (n=29) for a duration of 40min/day for 5 days/week and 20 min/day for 3 days/week respectively on bicycle ergometer for a period of 15 weeks. OUTCOME MEASURES: Pretesting and post testing included measurement of height, weight, blood pressure and lipid profile. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: RESULTS were analysed using the Paired and Unpaired samples t-test. RESULTS: Postexercise revealed significant reduction in the LDL-C and diastolic blood pressure (p<0.05) with the high intensity exercise group.There was a significant difference in BMI, lipid profile and blood pressure in both the moderate and high intensity exercise group. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that exercise is "elixir" for a healthy life. High intermittent intensity can be considered for individuals who have time constraints and lead a sedentary life style and moderate intensity exercise advised for individuals who are willing to create time for their health benefits. A programmed protocol of exercise will help in reduction of lipid parameters.