Vagus nerve and telomere length

Vagus nerve and telomere length

The vagus nerve plays a crucial role in regulating telomere length, which is an important marker of cellular aging. Several studies have found associations between vagal tone, inflammation, and telomere length:

– Prefrontally modulated vagal neuroimmunomodulation, indexed by the vagal neuroimmunomodulation (NIM) index, is associated with longer telomeres[1][2][5]. The NIM index, which measures vagal immunomodulation of inflammation, is a more sensitive indicator of vagal neuroimmunomodulation than vagal tone or C-reactive protein alone[1][2].

– Inflammation mediates the relationship between vagally mediated heart rate variability (vmHRV), which indexes vagus nerve activity, and telomere length[2][3]. Prefrontal cortical influences on the vagus nerve modulate the inflammatory response, with reduced telomere length being downstream of inflammation[2].

– The vagus nerve is considered the “longevity nerve” as it is the most important component in telomere lengthening and promoting longevity[4]. Vagal tone inhibits inflammatory responses to prevent telomere damage[5].

In summary, the vagus nerve, through its prefrontally modulated influence on inflammation, is a key regulator of telomere length and cellular aging. Maintaining healthy vagal tone is important for longevity and preventing age-related diseases.

Sources

[1] Prefrontally modulated vagal neuroimmunomodulation is … – NCBI 

[2] Prefrontally modulated vagal neuroimmunomodulation is … – Frontiers 

[3] Cognitive reappraisal impacts the relationship between heart rate … 

[4] Longevity; Telomeres and the Vagus for a long life – BREATHE FLOW 

[5] (PDF) Prefrontally Modulated Vagal Tone Inhibits Inflammatory …