Browsing by Author "Truter, Nina"

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    The role of the brain-heart axis in cardiovascular disease: a focus on glial involvement
    (Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2021-04) Truter, Nina; Essop, M. Faadiel; Malan, Leone; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Science. Dept. of Physiological Sciences.
    ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Despite numerous investigations into the etiology of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), CVDs remain a major health concern. Growing evidence indicates that the link between the brain and heart underlies a number of CVDs, therefore insights regarding the connection(s) between the brain and heart (brain-heart axis) may reveal unique ways to help combat the escalating global burden of CVDs. This thesis will therefore critically evaluate the state of non-communicable disease (focusing on CVDs) and thereafter consider the brain-heart axis. From a physiological perspective there are several branches connecting the brain and the heart: (1) autonomic innervation of the heart, (2) bi-directional humoral communication, (3) oxygen supply, and (4) vascular connections. Glial cells are emerging as a novel link in terms of brain-heart health and pathology. The role of glial cells in two specific brain-heart disorders will be discussed, namely chronic stress and ischemia, to provide a more in-depth understanding on exactly how glial dysfunction can play a role in pathology. Lastly, we also investigate potential biomarkers to detect brain-heart pathology, namely S100 calcium-binding protein B, glial-derived neurotrophic factor, cardiac troponin T and silent myocardial ischemia.