Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation ameliorates myocardial injury in vascular dementia via renin-angiotensin system modulation.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to examine the potential of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) to alleviate myocardial injury in a rat model of vascular dementia (VaD) by restoring renin-angiotensin system (RAS) balance and inhibiting apoptosis. METHODS: The VaD was induced in rats using a modified two-vessel occlusion protocol. The effects of rTMS on cognitive function, myocardial injury, and RAS equilibrium were also evaluated. Cellular apoptosis was evaluated using terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) staining, and the expression of RAS components was analyzed using western blotting. RESULTS: The application of rTMS in VaD rats resulted in decreased apoptosis of both cortical and myocardial cells, an increase in neuronal nuclei positive cell populations, and a reduction in TUNEL-positive cells, thereby demonstrating neuroprotective and cardioprotective effects. Furthermore, western blot analysis indicated that rTMS modulated RAS levels by downregulating the expression of components associated with the classical RAS axis while upregulating those related to the alternative axis. CONCLUSION: rTMS may mitigate myocardial injury in VaD rat models by re-establishing the balance of RAS and suppressing apoptotic processes. This study offers valuable insights into the prospective therapeutic application of rTMS in managing cardiocerebral comorbidities linked to RAS dysregulation.