Duke University Study Reveals Vagus Nerve Stimulation Could Alleviate Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Researchers at Duke University School of Medicine discovered that stimulating the nervous system can help reduce gut inflammation related to inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

Their study, published in Science Translational Medicine, focused on vagus nerve stimulation in stressed mice with colitis, a type of IBD. This stimulation significantly decreased inflammation, improved symptoms, and increased survival rates. The researchers learned that activating the parasympathetic nervous system could control SUMOylation, a process that affects immune response and inflammation.

Modifying SUMOylation through vagus nerve stimulation or using SUMOylation inhibitors may lead to new IBD treatments that address inflammation directly, rather than just easing symptoms. In 2022, researchers started studying if vagus nerve stimulation could trigger a natural anti-inflammatory response that calms immune reactions.

The study is the first to indicate that targeting specific forms of SUMOylation can prevent harmful immune cells from increasing gut inflammation. Ayman Youssef, MD, the first author and former Duke researcher, noted that inhibiting SUMOylation slowed disease progression in mouse models.

“Surprisingly, inhibiting SUMOylation seems to replicate the benefits of vagal stimulation, improving colitis symptoms,” said Yang, professor of anesthesiology.

IBD cases have risen by 50% in the last 15 years, affecting nearly 7 million people globally. IBD mainly includes ulcerative colitis, which impacts the colon, and Crohn’s disease, which can affect any part of the digestive tract. Both conditions can lead to severe complications.

Current anti-inflammatory treatments provide temporary relief but often lose effectiveness over time, leading to relapses and side effects. Stress is known to worsen IBD symptoms, and some researchers view ulcerative colitis as psychosomatic.

“Stimulating the vagus nerve countered stress effects and restored a balanced body function,” said Ulloa, a Duke researcher. Relaxation methods like deep breathing and meditation also involve the vagus nerve and help relax organs.

Ulloa cautioned that not all patients may respond the same way. Results from lab research may differ when applied in clinical settings. The study aligns with “bioelectronic medicine,” a developing field exploring nerve stimulation to treat various inflammatory diseases, including Crohn’s disease and rheumatoid arthritis.

Funding for the study came from the NIH National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health and other health institutes.