International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Physiology

Improvement of Sympathovagal Balance by Yoga Could be Essential in Achieving Effective Therapeutic Outcome in Antenatal Depression

Gopal Krushna Pal — 2025-04-09

Pregnancy is a unique physiological state having alterations in almost all systems of the body including cardiovascular, respiratory, renal, hematological, hemodynamic and neurological functions. Recently, autonomic changes and psychological functional alterations have been more observed in pregnancy disorders. Increase in incidence of stress and depression in perenatal period has already been widely reported. Autonomic changes in pregnancy and its dysfunction in depression are well documented. However, there is paucity of evidence associating cardiovascular autonomic dysfunction to stress, depression and mood disorders in pregnancy, and more specifically later part of during antepartum period. Pregnancy is associated with multiple metabolic, circulatory and mental changes and these changes make pregnant women vulnerable to many health conditions which can be detrimental to maternal and neonatal wellbeing.^[1]

Associations of Depression, Anxiety and Sleep Quality among Indian College Freshmen

Ahzam Khan — 2025-04-09

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the association between depression, anxiety, and sleep quality among Indian college freshmen. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at Government Medical College, Gondia, Maharashtra, India in the month of June 2024. A total of 150 first-year MBBS students aged 18-24 years participated. Sleep quality was assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), while depression and anxiety were measured using Beck’s Depression Inventory (BDI) and Beck’s Anxiety Inventory (BAI). Multivariate logistic regression models were employed to estimate 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the associations between depression, anxiety, and sleep quality, adjusting for potential confounders. Results: After adjustment, poor sleep quality was significantly associated with higher levels of depression (p< 0.001), but not with anxiety (p= 0.08). Students with poor sleep quality had higher odds of experiencing depression but were less likely to experience anxiety compared to those with better sleep quality. No significant interactive effects were observed between sleep quality and the combination of depression and anxiety. Conclusion: The study found a significant relationship between poor sleep quality and higher levels of depression among Indian medical college freshmen, with no significant association with anxiety. These findings underscore the importance of addressing sleep quality in mental health interventions for this population. Improving sleep quality may help reduce depression rates among college students.

Study on the Susceptible Factor for Each Type of Uveitis

Hyang Sun Kim — 2025-04-09

Background and Aim: Uveitis is a group of inflammatory eye disorders with various etiologies, including genetic susceptibility. Certain Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) types are known to be associated with different forms of uveitis. This study aims to identify disease-susceptible HLA types (DSHTs) for each type of uveitis. Methods: 120 patients with uveitis (47 patients with anterior uveitis, 33 patients with posterior uveitis and 32 patients with panuveitis) were enrolled in the study. After determining the relative risk values according to the types of uveitis, we have revealed HLA types with relative risk values bigger than 1(DSHTs) for each type of uveitis. Results: 1) For patients with anterior uveitis, DSHTs were HLA-B27, HLA-A26, HLA-DR10. 2) For patients with posterior uveitis, DSHTs were HLA-A29, HLA-B44 and HLA-DR4. 3) For patients with panuveitis, DSHTs were HLA-DR4, HLA-B51, HLA-A26 and HLA-DR11. Conclusion: These findings highlight genetic predispositions that may aid in early diagnosis and targeted management.

Successful Treatment of Flat Warts by Cryotherapy and Acupuncture

Il-Bong Kim — 2025-04-09

Background and Aim: Flat warts caused by human papilloma virus type 3, 10, 27 and 41 brings many cosmetic problems to children and young adults. Cryotherapy is the destruction method of tissue by the application of extreme cold and has been indicated as a treatment modality for the management of flat warts. Acupuncture is widely used in the prevention and treatment of a variety of diseases. Precisely how acupuncture destroys warts is not well understood, but theory is that acupuncture at SI6 weakens the virus function by activating the immune system. To determine the efficacy of combined cryotherapy and acupuncture of flat warts. Methods: 83 patients (age range; 10~40 years) with clinically diagnosed flat warts (1 month after onset) were recruited. Patients were randomized to receive combination of cryotherapy and acupuncture, cryotherapy alone and acupuncture alone. Data was analyzed to determine local response and clinical effectiveness of combination treatment. Results: Of 83 patients, 34 (41.0%) were treated with combination treatment, 26 (31.3%) were treated with cryotherapy alone and 23 (27.7%) were treated with acupuncture alone. 31 patients (91.2%) in the combination group vs 9 patients (34.6%) in the cryotherapy group vs 4 patients (17.4%) had complete resolution of flat warts. Conclusion: Combination of cryotherapy and acupuncture was significantly more effective than individual treatments.

Reconstruction of Broad Soft Tissue Defect around Knee with Combined Perforator Flaps

Sang Bong Ri — 2025-04-09

Perforator flaps have been commonly used in reconstruction of soft tissue defects nowadays, however, it is very important to apply them properly according to the characteristics of recipient site. Since there is no universal flap appropriate to various types of defects, there have been a number of researches to apply appropriate perforator flaps suitable to recipient sites. Recently, achievements have been made by applying chimeric flaps based on perforators from a source artery and combined flaps based on perforators from different source arteries. For examples, combined flaps of deep femoral perforator and gracilis perforator, lateral circumflex femoral artery and tensor fascia lata perforator and lateral vastus muscle and anterior, lateral thigh perforator have been suggested in the literatures. It is a key point to use appropriate perforator flap minimizing donor site morbidity according to the location and size of defects. We are describing a case of covering a soft tissue defect at the knee with combination of medial sural artery perforator flap and medial vastus medialis artery perforator flap.

The Impact of Pranayama on Mental Health Disorders in Young Individuals

Kavitha Natarajan — 2025-04-09

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The Role of Pranayama in Managing Mental Health Disorders Among Youth Individuals

Mental health disorders are conditions that impact a person's thoughts, emotions, mood, and behaviour, often causing distress and interfering with daily life. In 2019, approximately one in eight people worldwide—around 970 million individuals—were living with a mental disorder, with anxiety and depression being the most common. The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 further exacerbated these conditions, leading to a sharp rise in cases.^[^1]

Chronic stress plays a significant role in mental health deterioration, primarily due to the overactivation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, which results in increased levels of the stress hormone cortisol.^[2^] As concerns over mental health continue to rise, especially among adolescents and young adults, researchers and wellness experts are increasingly exploring non-pharmacological interventions that provide relief without side effects.

One promising approach is Pranayama, a yogic breathing practice that has been shown to alleviate mood disorders like anxiety and depression in young individuals.^[3,4^] Studies suggest that Pranayama exerts its benefits through the vagus nerve, influencing key brain regions such as the solitary nucleus, thalamus, limbic system, and prefrontal cortex. This practice is believed to enhance parasympathetic nervous system activity, which helps regulate stress hormones and increases GABA inhibition from the prefrontal cortex and insula to the amygdala. This, in turn, reduces amygdala hyperactivity, a key driver of stress and emotional distress.^[5-7]

A recent meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials on breathwork and mental health found that individuals who practised controlled breathing techniques for eight weeks experienced significant improvements in emotional regulation, stress resilience, and overall well-being. Participants reported lower anxiety and depressive symptoms, indicating that Pranayama could serve as a cost-effective and accessible tool for mental health management. ^[8^]

Recognizing these benefits, various schools and universities in Western countries have begun incorporating Pranayama sessions into their wellness programs. Educators and wellness professionals believe that breathing exercises enhance oxygenation to the brain, regulate the autonomic nervous system, and promote a sense of calm, ultimately contributing to improved mood stability and emotional well-being.

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Why pranayama could be a game-changer for youth mental health?

The modern world presents numerous challenges for young individuals, including academic stress, social pressures, and digital overstimulation. These factors contribute to a surge in mood disorders, and the increasing reliance on pharmaceutical interventions often comes with side effects and accessibility challenges, making it imperative to explore sustainable and accessible solutions.

Pranayama, an ancient practice rooted in yogic traditions, offers a scientifically backed, natural method for managing stress, anxiety, and depression. The fact that it influences the vagus nerve and key brain regions involved in emotional regulation highlights its potential as a holistic and effective therapy. Unlike conventional treatments, it is cost-effective, accessible, and free from side effects, making it an attractive option for individuals seeking alternative or complementary mental health interventions.

Pranayama holds great promise as a natural approach to improving mental health, but it is most effective when combined with other evidence-based strategies such as mindfulness, and healthy lifestyle habits. To ensure its widespread adoption, trained instructors and greater scientific awareness are needed to implement it effectively. While further large-scale studies would help strengthen the evidence, current research suggests that incorporating Pranayama into daily routines can be a powerful tool for young individuals struggling with mood disorders.

As awareness of mental health continues to grow, Pranayama may soon become a widely recommended practice for emotional well-being. Educational institutions play a crucial role in this movement by integrating breathwork into wellness programs, equipping students with lifelong skills to manage stress and build resilience. This proactive approach is especially important in the post-pandemic era, where mental health challenges among young adults have escalated.

Ultimately, the increasing recognition of Pranayama reflects a positive shift in mental health care, one that embraces a balanced blend of modern science and ancient wisdom to promote holistic well-being.