The mystery of the heart-brain axis, the connection between the cardiovascular system and the nervous system is revealed for the first time

2025-03-16 16:24:04Lifestyle SHKRUAR NGA REDAKSIA VOX
The mystery of the heart-brain axis

A study conducted by a team of bioengineers from the University of Pisa, Gaetano Valenza, Zoran Mati? and Vincenzo Catrambone, which provides for the first time a general description of the fundamental components of the mysterious 'heart-brain' axis, which is the set of anatomical and functional connections of the central nervous system and the nervous system.

"For the first time, we have brought together all the knowledge produced so far on this topic and have highlighted that it is possible to characterize the three fundamental components of the heart-brain axis: the part of the nervous tissue, connected to specific regions of the brain, which makes possible the interaction between the autonomic nervous system and the central nervous system; an essential part in the transmission of information along the axis; and the biochemical part, which includes hormones and other biomolecules sensed by both the heart and the brain," emphasizes Valenza.

"In this way, we have introduced a fundamental paradigm shift in the study of the heart-brain relationship, based also on the way the three identified components interact with each other," she adds.

The study has shown that the influence between the cardiovascular system and the central nervous system has a preferential direction based on the psycho-physical/emotional state of the individual.

"Today we can study the connection between the heart and the brain even at a molecular level, that is, by looking at how cardiac neurons control emotions along with the metabolism of each individual. It is an absolutely pioneering field of research and in just a few months is making decisive steps forward, towards the development of knowledge and technologies focused on understanding this fundamental aspect of the human being", concludes Valenza.


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