Changes in Cardiac Autonomic Modulation in Women with Breast Cancer Using Aromatase Inhibitors and the Relation with Biochemical Variables

Abstract

Background:

The use of autonomic modulation as a predictor of cardiovascular risk in women with breast cancer is important.

Objective:

To evaluate the cardiac autonomic modulation of postmenopausal women using aromatase inhibitors for breast cancer treatment, as well as its relation with the following biochemical variables.

Methods:

Postmenopausal women who did not have breast cancer (n = 33) and postmenopausal women with breast cancer (n = 15). For evaluation of the autonomic modulation the heart rate was recorded beat-to-beat for 30 minutes and the series of RR intervals obtained were used to calculate the following heart rate variability indices: Mean RR ms, SDNN (standard deviation of all normal RR intervals, expressed in milliseconds) ms, Mean HR, RMSSD (square root of the mean of the squared differences between adjacent normal RR interval) ms, NN50 (number of pairs of successive NNs that differ by more than 50 ms) count, pNN50% (proportion of NN50 divided by total number of NNs), RRtri (RR triangular), TINN (triangular interpolation of NN interval) ms, SD1 ms, SD2 ms, LF ms², HF ms², LH/HF ms². The values of biochemical variables (fasting glycemia, triglycerides, HDL-cholesterol, and C-reactive protein) were analyzed by blood sample.

Results:

Lower values of heart rate variability indices were observed in postmenopausal women with breast cancer in relation to postmenopausal women who did not have breast cancer: Mean RR (p = 0.03); SDNN (p = 0.03); RMSSD (p = 0.03); NN50 count (p = 0.03); pNN50 % (p = 0.03); RRtri (p = 0.02); SD1 (p = 0.01); SD2 (p = 0.02); LF ms² (p = 0.01); HF ms² (p = 0.03).There was an inversely proportional correlation between the indices SDNN, SD2, and HFms² with triglycerides (SDNN p = 0.04; SD2 p = 0.04; HF ms² p = 0.04). No statistically significant correlations were found between heart rate variability indices and others variables. Statistical significance was set at 5% for all analyses.

Conclusion:

Women with breast cancer present reduced autonomic modulation and in these women of heart rate variability indices are inversely correlated with triglyceride values.

Keywords:
Aromatase Inhibitors; Breast Neoplasms; Cholesterol; Blood Glucose; Cardiovascular Dieases/prevention and control; Estrogen Replacement Therapy/adverse effects

Resumo

Fundamentos:

A modulação autonômica como um preditor de risco cardiovascular em mulheres com câncer de mama é importante.

Objetivos:

Avaliar a modulação autonômica em mulheres pós-menopausa em uso de inibidores de aromatase como tratamento de câncer de mama, e sua relação com algumas variáveis bioquímicas.

Métodos:

Foram avaliadas mulheres pós-menopausa sem câncer de mama (n = 33) e mulheres pós-menopausa com câncer de mama (n = 15). Para avaliação da modulação autonômica, a frequência cardíaca (FC) foi registrada batimento a batimento por 30 minutos, e as séries de intervalos RR obtidas foram usadas para o cálculo dos seguintes índices de variabilidade da frequência cardíaca: média de RR ms, SDNN (desvio padrão de todos os intervalos RR normais) ms, FC, RMSSD (raiz quadrada da média das diferenças ao quadrado entre os intervalos RR normais adjacentes) ms, contagem NN50 (número de pares de NNs sucessivos que se diferem em mais de 50 ms), pNN50% (proporção de NN50 dividida pelo número total de NNs), RRtri (RR triangular), TINN (interpolação triangular do intervalo NN) ms, DP1 ms, DP2 ms, LF (baixa frequência) ms², HF (alta frequência) ms², LH/HF ms². Os valores das variáveis bioquímicas (glicemia de jejum, triglicerídeos, HDL-colesterol, e proteína C reativa) foram analisadas das amostras de sangue. O nível de significância adotado nas análises estatísticas foi de 5%.

Resultados:

As mulheres pós-menopausa com câncer de mama apresentaram menores índices de variabilidade da frequência cardíaca em comparação àquelas sem câncer de mama: média de RR (p = 0,03); SDNN (p = 0,03); RMSSD (p = 0,03); contagem NN50 (p = 0,03); pNN50% (p = 0,03); RRtri (p = 0,02), DP1 (p = 0,01), DP2 (p = 0,02); LF ms² (p = 0,01); HF ms² (p = -0,03). Observou-se uma correlação inversamente proporcional dos índices SDNN, DP2 e HF ms² com triglicerídeos (SDNN p = 0,04, DP2 p = 0,04; HF ms² 0,04). Não houve correlação significativa entre os índices de variabilidade da frequência cardíaca e as demais variáveis.

Conclusão:

Mulheres com câncer de mama apresentam modulação autonômica diminuída e índices de variabilidade da FC inversamente correlacionados com valores de triglicerídeos.

Palavras-chave:
Inibidores de Aromatases; Neoplasias da Mama; Colesterol; Glicemia; Doenças Cardiovasculares/prevenção e controle; Terapia de Reposição de Estrogênios/efeitos adversos

Introduction

Breast cancer is the second most common type of neoplasm in the world and the most common among women. Annually, in both developing and developed countries, about 22% of new cases arise¹ and, according to the World Health Organization,² in 2011 more than 508,000 deaths occurred worldwide due to this disease.

Chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and hormone therapy can be used as treatment for breast cancer. These treatments are indispensable and promote positive impacts on the cure for cancer, recurrence, and metastasis; however, the side effects can cause numerous discomforts, compromising other aspects related to women's health.³

Among the side effects precipitated by the various treatments for breast cancer, those related to hormone therapy, more specifically to the use of aromatase inhibitors (AI), deserve attention. These substances block the enzyme aromatase, responsible for the conversion of androgens to estrogens in postmenopausal women.^3-5

Estrogen is associated with a better lipid profile and an increase in the synthesis of vasodilatory enzymes,^6,7 so its reduction in women with breast cancer promoted by the use of AI, associated with its lower production in the menopausal period, may be related to a worse lipid profile and, consequently, a higher risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVD).^6,7

In this context, the evaluation of women with breast cancer who are in the menopause becomes fundamental so that CVD can be avoided and/or prevented. Autonomic modulation analysis can be used for this purpose since the autonomic nervous system (ANS) is one of the components involved in the etiology and consequences of cardiovascular disorders caused by the treatment of breast cancer.^8,9

The use of autonomic modulation as a predictor of cardiovascular risk in women with breast cancer was evidenced by Lakoski et al.,⁹ who identified autonomic dysfunctions in these women characterized by increased sympathetic modulation and decreased parasympathetic modulation, suggesting a higher risk of CVD in women with breast cancer.

As can be observed, the risk of CVD in women with menopausal breast cancer may be related to a reduction in autonomic modulation and worsening of the lipid profile, which can be precipitated by both menopause and the use of AI.^10,11

These women are also more prone to weight gain after chemotherapy and, consequently, to suffer changes in visceral adiposity, leading to changes in lipid profile and insulin resistance.³ In addition, elevated levels of inflammation have been observed in cancer patients,¹² a condition also responsible for lower survival in these patients.^12,13

However, the correlation between autonomic modulation and these factors has not been explored. Therefore, investigating the autonomic modulation of women with breast cancer in menopause who use AI and the relationship with cardiovascular biochemical variables could improve the targeting of future treatments and quality of life of women with breast cancer.

In this context, this study aimed to evaluate the cardiac autonomic modulation of postmenopausal women using AI to treat breast cancer, as well as its relationship with the following cardiovascular biochemical variables: fasting glycemia, triglycerides, HDL cholesterol, and C-reactive protein (CRP).

Methods

This is a cross-sectional study, carried out from March 2015 to July 2016, in a city in the southeastern region of Brazil. A total of 348 women, who were treated for breast cancer and registered in the records of the Oncology Pharmacy of the city's Regional Hospital, were analyzed. The medical records of these patients were analyzed and only women who were using AI were invited to participate in the study, totalling 124 women. Postmenopausal women without breast cancer were invited and recruited through radio, television, and local newspapers, totalling 189 women.

The inclusion criteria of the study were: aged between 50 and 80 years; being in the menopause, defined by the self report of absence of the menstrual cycle in the previous 12 months; signing the informed consent form to participate in the study, and not having participated in supervised physical exercise for at least six months immediately prior to the study. Specifically for women with breast cancer, in addition to all the criteria mentioned above, they were required to present stages I to IIIa of breast cancer,¹⁴ certified by doctors through the medical records.

The study was approved by the Institution's Ethics and Research Committee (Protocol No. 6727715.1.0000.5402/2015) and registered in the ClinicalTrials.gov Platform with the identifier NCT02804308.

Experimental draw

The experimental design of the present study included two groups of women with different characteristics: one with and one without breast cancer. According to the inclusion criteria specific to this study, the convenience sampling consisted of 48 postmenopausal women, who were distributed as follows: 33 without breast cancer and 14 survivors of breast cancer under treatment with AI. The selection of the participants in this study can be better visualized in figure 1.

Figure 1
Study design: recruitment and analysis.

On the first day, all the women participating in the study answered questionnaires related to sociodemographic information (with questions related to age, education level, marital status, occupation, children, and self-reported diseases - cardiac, respiratory, metabolic, musculoskeletal). After answering the questionnaires, the volunteers underwent an evaluation of body composition using DEXA equipment - Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry, brand Lunar DPX-NT. Subsequently, the volunteers received a referral to the clinical analysis laboratory for blood sample collections, heart rate variability (HRV) assessments were scheduled, and the guidelines provided.

For HRV analysis, the heart rate was recorded beat-to-beat in the morning (8 am to 11 am) in a quiet environment with a temperature between 21ºC and 24ºC and relative air humidity of 40-60% and the series of RR intervals obtained were used for the calculation of HRV indices.

Body composition

Body composition was measured using DEXA Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry, brand Lunar DPX-NT, General Electric Healthcare, Little Chalfont, Buckinghamshire, UK, software version 4.7. The following outcome variables were collected: percentage of body fat (%), lean mass (kg), fat mass (kg), and total bone mineral density (g/cm²).

Analysis of HRV

For the analysis of HRV, initially, the volunteers were instructed not to consume alcoholic beverages and/or ANS stimulants such as coffee, tea, soda, and chocolate, and not to perform any type of intense physical exercise during the 24 hours preceding the evaluation.

The Polar S810i heart rate monitor (Polar, Finland), previously validated equipment for recording heart rate and its use for calculation of HRV¹⁵ indices, was used to record heart rate. The equipment pick-up strap was positioned on the distal third of the sternum and the heart rate receiver on the volunteer's wrist. During the uptake, the volunteers were instructed to remain silent, awake, at rest, and breathing spontaneously for 30 minutes in the supine position.

For the analysis of the HRV indices, 1000 RR intervals were obtained from the most stable section of the trace, which was subjected to digital filtering in the proprietary software of the cardio-frequency meter, Polar Pro Trainer 5 version 5.41.002, complemented by manual filtering for elimination of premature ectopic beats and artefacts and only series of RR intervals that presented more than 95% of sinus beats were included in the study. Calculations of the HRV indices were performed using Kubios HRV Analysis software version 2.0 (Kuopio University, Finland).¹⁶

The following indices were analyzed in the time domain: Mean RR, which represents the mean RR intervals; Mean HR, which corresponds to mean heart rate; SDNN, which represents the standard deviation of all normal RR intervals; RMSSD, which corresponds to the square root of the sum of the square of the differences between the RR intervals in the record, divided by the number of RR intervals in a given time minus one RR interval; and finally the NN50 (number of pairs of successive NNs that differ by more than 50 ms) and pNN50 (proportion of NN50 divided by total number of NNs), where the NN50 is the counter of the number of times that successive NN intervals present a duration difference greater than 50ms, and the pNN50 is the ratio obtained by the NN50 / n ratio.^17,18

In the frequency domain, low frequency (LF: 0.04 - 0.15 Hz) and high frequency (HF: 0.15 - 0.40 Hz) spectral components were analyzed in ms² as well as the ratio between the components (LF/HF). The spectral analysis was calculated using the Fast Fourier Transform algorithm.¹⁸

In addition, the RRtri (RR triangular), TINN (triangular interpolation of NN interval), and Poincaré plot were also calculated, which was quantitatively and qualitatively analyzed. The RRtri and TINN were calculated by constructing a density histogram of normal RR intervals, which contains the length of the RR intervals on the x-axis and the frequency with which they occurred on the y-axis.¹⁸ The union of the points of the columns of the histogram forms a figure similar to a triangle from which these indices are extracted.¹⁸

The Poincaré plot is the two-dimensional graphical representation of the correlation between consecutive RR intervals, where each interval is plotted against the next interval. For quantitative analysis of the plot, the SD1 (standard deviation of instantaneous beat-to-beat variability) and SD2 indices (long-term standard deviation of continuous RR intervals) were calculated.¹⁸

The qualitative analysis of the plot was carried out through the analysis of the figures formed by its attractor, which demonstrates the degree of complexity of the RR intervals. The following patterns were considered: I) Figure showing an increase in the dispersion of RR intervals, characteristic of a normal plot; II) Figure with small global dispersion, with no increase in the dispersion of RR intervals in the long term, characteristic of a plot with lower variability.¹⁹

Blood samples

Blood collection was performed in a private laboratory and for the biochemical analyzes the volunteers respected a 12-hour fast. The collection was performed in a vacuum tube with separator gel without anticoagulant; after collection, the blood was centrifuged for 10 minutes at 3000 rpm to separate the serum from the other blood components, which was used for the analyzes.

For the determination of glycemia, triglycerides, and the HDL-cholesterol fraction, a colourimetric enzyme kit was used in an Autohumalyzer A517 device¹⁷ (HUMAN et al., 2004). CRP was measured using an enzyme ELISA kit: Immulite 2000 analyzer (Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics).²⁰

Statistical analysis

The descriptive data for characterization of the sample are expressed as percentage, mean, standard deviation. In order to compare the anthropometric variables, age, and the HRV indices between the groups, the normality of the data was initially tested using the Shapiro-Wilk test. If the normal distribution was accepted, the Student's t-test for unpaired data was applied, while for non-normal distributions the Mann-Whitney test was applied. The continuous variables that did not present normal distribution were described through median and interquartile range and those that presented normal distribution were described through mean and standard deviation.

The correlation between the HRV indices and the independent variables CRP, fasting glycemia, triglycerides, and HDL-cholesterol was verified by linear regression in unadjusted and adjusted models, considering the age of the volunteers.

For both analyzes, statistically, significant differences were considered when the "p" value was lower than 0.05. The program used for statistical analysis was the "Statistical Package for Social Sciences" version 15.0 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, Illinois, United States of America).

Results

Table 1 presents the sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of the postmenopausal women without breast cancer and breast cancer survivors who participated in the study. There were no significant differences between groups (p > 0.05). The losses of the sample composition can be visualized in Figure 1.

Table 1
Sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of postmenopausal women without breast cancer and breast cancer survivors who participated in the study

Variables	Group with Breast Cancer (n = 14)	Group without Breast Cancer (n = 27)	p value
Agea	62.17 ± 5.79	60.03 ± 7.57	0.23
Education
Illiterateb	8.3%	12.4%
First level completedb	16.7%	37.6%	0.63
Second level Completedb	70.8%	25%
Superiorb	4.2%	25%
Marital status
Singleb	4.2%	11.1%
Marriedb	70.8%	61.1%	0.49
Divorcedb	16.7%	5.6%
Widowb	8.3%	22.2%
Occupation
From homeb	41.7%	55.6%
Workb	41.7%	5.6%	0.25
Retiredb	16.6%	38.8%
Self-Reported diseases
Up to 2 diseasesb	62.4%	72.8%	0.49
More than 2 diseasesb	16.6%	27.8%
Total body mass (kg)a	70.62 ± 12.29	69.67 ± 12.99	0.61
BMIa	30.71 ± 6.03	30.19 ± 4.57	0.59
Total lean mass (kg)a	34.94 ± 4.39	35.53 ± 4.76	0.19
Total fat mass (kg)a	33.38 ± 9.53	31.83 ± 9.54	0.36
Fat mass of thoracic (kg)a	18.17 ± 4.84	16.70 ± 4.75	0.24
BMDa	1.11 ± 0.11	1.17 ± 0.12	0.09
BMCa	2.12 ± 0.32	2.31 ± 0.32	0.11

• Student t test^a: Mean ± standard deviation; Qui Square test^b: categorical variables, percentage. BMI: body mass index; BMD: bone mineral density; BMC: bone mineral content.

Approximately 70.8% of women who survived breast cancer and 25% of the non-cancer group attended high school. Regarding marital status, 70.8% of women who survived and 60.1% without the disease are married. Of the women analyzed, 41.7% of the survivors of the disease and 55.6% of those without the disease worked from the home, while, 62.4% and 72.8%, respectively, reported having up to two diseases. Regarding the body composition variables analyzed (total body mass, BMI, total lean and fat mass, trunk fat mass, bone mineral density, and bone mineral content), there were no statistically significant differences between the groups.

In women with breast cancer, it was observed that 52% had undergone mastectomy surgery and 67% received treatment with chemotherapy. Most women have diagnosed in breast cancer stage I and the mean time of AI use was 19.3 months.

The Mean RR, SDNN, RMSSD, NN50, pNN50, RRtri, SD1, and SD2 indices demonstrated statistically significant reductions (Table 2) (p ≤ 0.05) in the breast cancer group when compared to the group without the disease. The Mean HR index (1/me), which represents the heart rate (HR), was lower in the group without the disease. For the TINN index, no significant differences were found between groups (p = 0.216).

Table 2
Linear indices in time domain of heart rate variability in each group

	Group with breast cancer (n = 14)	Group without breast cancer (n = 27)	p value
Mean RR msa	707.76 ± 89.86	867.80 ± 128.87	0.047
SDNN msa	17.92 ± 5.05	35.20 ± 14.94	0,042
Mean HR 1/mima	85.89 ± 10.49	70.77 ± 10.75	0,050
RMSSD msb	11.30 ± 8.40	18.40 ± 16.00	0.010
NN50 countb	0.00 ± 4.00	15.00 ± 90.50	0.022
pNN50 %b	0.00 ± 0,40	1.50 ± 9.05	0.022
RRtria	5.76 ± 1.58	9.93 ± 4.01	0.015
TINN msa	86.00 ± 22.19	138.40 ± 79.38	0.243
SD1 msb	8.00 ± 5.75	13.00 ± 11.35	0.009
SD2 msa	23.90 ± 6.51	46.91 ± 19.95	0.022

• Student t testa: Mean ± standard deviation; Mann Whitney testb: Median ± interquartile range; SDNN: standard deviation of all normal RR intervals; HR: heart rate; RMSSD: square root of the mean of the squared differences between adjacent normal RR interval; NN50: number of pairs of successive NNs that differ by more than 50 ms; pNN50: proportion of NN50 divided by total number of NNs; RRtri: RR triangular; TINN: triangular interpolation of NN interval; SD1: instantaneous variability of beat-to-beat variability, SD2: long-term standard deviation of continuous RR intervals index; ms: milliseconds.

In the qualitative analysis of the Poincaré plot, there was a lower dispersion of the RR intervals in the cancer group compared to the non-disease group (Figure 2).

Figure 2
Qualitative analysis of the Poincare plot. SD1 (standard deviation of instantaneous variability), SD2 (standard deviation of the continuous RR intervals). Control: SD1 = 18 ms; SD2 = 45 ms / Breast Cancer: SD1 = 10.9 ms; SD2 = 32.6 ms.

The indices in the frequency domain of HRV are presented in table 3. For the VLF (ms²), LF (ms²), and HF (ms²) indices, statistically significant reductions (p ≤ 0.05) were found in the breast cancer group when compared to the group without the disease, whereas the LF/HF ratio did not present significant differences between the groups (p = 0.747).

Table 3
Linear indices in frequency domain of heart rate variability in each group.

	Group with breast cancer (n = 14)	Group without breast cancer (n = 27)	p value
LF ms2 b	67.00 ± 46.50	203.00 ± 257.50	0.009
HF ms2 b	70.00 ± 61.50	136.00 ± 264.00	0.008
LF/HF ms2 b	0.47 ± 0.99	0.71 ± 0.66	0.564

• Mann Whitney testb: Median ± interquartile range; ms²: milliseconds; LF: low frequency; HF: high frequency; VLF: very low frequency.

Table 4 shows the correlation of HRV indices with the inflammatory marker PCR and table 5 presents the variables blood glucose, triglycerides, and high-density lipoprotein with and without age adjustments in women with breast cancer.

Table 4
Correlation of heart rate variability indices with the inflammatory marker PCR with and without adjustments for age in woman with breast cancer

	PCR
	Without adjustment		Adjusted (age)
	β95% CI	p	β95% CI	p
Mean RR ms	-8.53 (-20.65; 3.58)	0.149	-6.36 ( -20.21; 7.48)	0.330
SDNN ms	-0.92 (-1.98; 0.13)	0.082	-0.92 (-2.17; 0.32)	0.129
Mean HR 1/min	0.81 (-0.34; 1.96)	0.150	0.62 ( -0.70; 1.94)	0.322
RMSSD ms	-0.50 (-1.03; 0.02)	0.059	-0.52 ( -1.15; 0.09)	0.089
NN50 count	-0.68 (-2.25; 0.88)	0.360	-0.86 (-2.69; 0.95)	0.315
pNN50 %	-0.06 (-0.22; 0.08)	0.360	-0.08 (-0.26; 0.09)	0.315
VLF ms2	0.00 ( -0.00; 0.00)	0.588	0.00 (-0.00; 0.00)	0.685
LF ms2	-12.40 (-34.90; 10.10)	0.251	-14.94 (-41.16; 11.27)	0.233
HF ms2	-4.59 (-10.64; 1.45)	0.123	-6.00 (-12.76; 0.76)	0.076
LF/HF ms2	0.00 (-0.07; 0.07)	0.972	0.01 (-0.09; 0.06)	0.699
RR tri	-0.22 (-0.45; -0.00)	0.053	-0.23 (-0.50; 0.04)	0.087
TINN ms	-3.07 (-8.00; 1.85)	0.198	-4.28 (-9.76; 1.19)	0.112
SD1 ms	-0.36 (-0.74; 0.01)	0.056	-0.37 (-0.81; 0.07)	0.092
SD2 ms	-1.26 (-2.74; 0.21)	0.086	-1.27 (-3.15; 0.47)	0.136

• PCR: C reactive protein; SDNN: standard deviation of all normal RR intervals, expressed in milliseconds; HR: heart rate; RMSSD: square root of the mean of the squared differences between adjacent normal RR intervals; NN50: number of pairs of successive NNs that differ by more than 50 ms; pNN50: proportion of NN50 divided by total number of NNs; TINN: triangular interpolation of NN interval; VLF: very low frequency; LF: low frequency; HF: high frequency; RR tri: RR triangular; SD1: instantaneous variability of beat-to-beat variability; SD2: long-term standard deviation of continuous RR intervals index; ms: milliseconds.

Table 5
Correlation of heart rate variability indices with the metabolic variables blood glucose, triglycerides, and high-density lipoprotein with and without adjustments for age in women with breast cancer

	Blood Glucose				Triglycerides				HDL
	Without adjustment		Adjusted (Age)		Without adjustment		Adjusted (Age)		Without adjustment		Adjusted (Age)
	β95% CI	p	β95% CI	p	β 95% CI	p	β95% CI	p	β95% CI	p	β95% CI	p
Mean RR ms	-0.08 (-2.96; 2.79)	0.950	-0.23 (-3.08; 2.61)	0.86	-0.76 (-1.81; 0.29)	0.141	-0.75 (-1.78; 0.27)	0.135	-2.68 ( -10.25; 4.88)	0.454	-0.52 (-9.52; 8.47)	0,900
SDNN ms	-0.06 (-0.34; 0.21)	0.609	-0.07 (-0.36; 0.22)	0.60	-0.09 (-0.19; -0.00)	0.045	-0.09 (-0.19; 0.00)	0.055	0.03 (-0.733; 0.79)	0.930	0.13 (-0.81; 1.07)	0,766
Mean HR ms	-0.00 ( -0.28; 0.26)	0.943	-0.00 (-2.26; 0.27)	0.97	0.06 (-0.03; 0.16)	0.194	-0.81 (-2.18; 0.54)	0.189	0.26 ( -0.44; 0.98)	0.431	0.07 (-0.78; 0.92)	0,856
RMSSD ms	-0.03 (-0.18; 0.10)	0.584	-0.03 (-0.19; 0.11)	0.58	-0.04 (-0.09; 0.01)	0.107	-0.04 (-0.09; 0.01)	0.123	0.01 (-0.38; 0.40)	0.958	0.04( -0.43; 0.53)	0,828
NN50 count	-0.05 (-0.40; 0.29)	0.738	-0.05 (-0.42; 0.32)	0.76	-0.05 (-0.18; 0.08)	0.448	-0.18 (-0.19; 0.09)	0.466	0.08 (-0.86; 1.04)	0.844	-0.06 (-1.12; 1.24)	0,913
pNN50 %	-0.00 (-0.04; 0.03)	0.738	-0.00 (-0.04; 0.03)	0.76	-0.00 (-0.01; 0.00)	0.448	-0.18 (-0.20; 0.01)	0.466	0.00 (-0.08; 0.10)	0.844	0.00 (-0.11; 0.12)	0,913
RR tri	-0.01 (-0.08; 0.04)	0.563	-0.01 (-0.08; 0.05)	0.563	-0.02 (-0.04; -0.00)	0.037	-0.02 (-0.04; -0.00)	0.046	0.02 ( -0.12; 0.20)	0.769	0.04 (-0.17; 0.27)	0,634
TINN ms	-0.29 (-1.48; 0.89)	0.599	-0.26 (-1.51; 0.97)	0.646	-0.18 (-0.65; 0.28)	0.397	-0.19 (-0.67; 0.29)	0.405	1.62 (-1.45; 4.70)	0.273	1.57 (-2.25; 5.39)	0,955
VLF ms2	-1.7E-005 (0.00; 0.00)	0.882	-2.0E-00 (-0.00; 0.00)	0.868	-5.5E-005 (0.00; 0.00)	0.218	-5.5E-005 (0.00; 0.00)	0.239	0.00 (-0.00; 0.00)	0.577	0.00 (-0.00; 0.00)	0,642
LF ms2	-1.21 (-6.41; 3.97)	0.619	-1.20 (-6.70; 4.29)	0.639	-1.48 (-3.37; 0.41)	0.114	-1.48 (-3.48; 0.51)	0.131	0.95 (-13.16; 15.07)	0.885	-0.81 (-16.72; 18.35)	0,920
HF ms2	-0.62 (-2.11; 0.86)	0.381	-0.59 (-2.16; 0.96)	0.419	-0.53 (-1.05; -0.01)	0.045	-0.53 (-1.07; 0.00)	0.051	0.36 (-3.76; 4.49)	0.850	-0.14 (-5.23; 4.95)	0,951
LF/HF ms2	-0.00 (-0.02; 0.00)	0.291	-0.00 (-0.02; 0.00)	0.334	-0.00 (-0.00; 0.01)	0.390	0.00 (-0.01; 0.01)	0.482	0.00 (-0.03; 0.05)	0.674	-0.00 (-0.05; 0.04)	0,945
SD1 ms	-0.28 (-0.13; 0.07)	0.568	0.10 (-0.48; 0.70)	0.561	-0.03 (-0.06; 0.00)	0.095	-0.03 (-0.07; 0.00)	0.110	0.00 (-0.28; 0.28)	0.991	0.03 (-0.31; 0.38)	0,830
SD2 ms	-0.09 (-0.48; 0.29)	0.604	-0.10 (-0.51; 0.30)	0.596	-0.13 (-0.27; -0.00)	0.044	-0.13 (-0.27; 0.00)	0.053	0.05 (-1.01; 1.11)	0.918	0.19 (-1.11; 1.50)	0,749

• PCR: C reactive protein; SDNN: standard deviation of all normal RR intervals, expressed in milliseconds; HR: heart rate; RMSSD: square root of the mean of the squared differences between adjacent normal RR intervals; NN50: number of pairs of successive NNs that differ by more than 50 ms; pNN50: proportion of NN50 divided by total number of NNs; TINN: triangular interpolation of NN interval; VLF: very low frequency; LF: low frequency; HF: high frequency; RR tr: RR triangular; SD1: instantaneous variability of beat-to-beat variability; SD2: long-term standard deviation of continuous RR intervals index; ms: milliseconds.

There were no statistically significant correlations between the indices and the inflammatory marker, even when adjusted for age (p > 0.05), or between the Mean RR, Mean HR, RMSSD, NN50, pNN50, RR tri, TINN, VLF ms², LF ms², LF/HF, and SD1 for the variables blood glucose, triglycerides, and high density lipoprotein (p > 0.05).

When adjusted for age the RR tri, HF ms², and SD2 indices presented inversely proportional correlations with the triglycerides [HF - β95% CI = -0.53, p = 0.045; SD2 - β95% CI = -0.13, p = 0.044]; RRtri - β 95% CI = -0.02, p = 0.046].

Discussion

The main findings of this study demonstrate that women who are survivors of breast cancer who use AI present reductions in HRV compared to women without cancer and that these HRV indices correlate with the lipid profile.

In the present study, a statistically significant reduction in the SDNN and RR tri indices, as well as the RMSSD, SD1, NN50, and HF indices, can be observed in women with breast cancer using AI when compared to the non-cancer group, suggesting a reduction in global and vagal modulation, respectively. Moreover, the visual analysis of the Poincaré plot demonstrates a lower dispersion of the RR intervals in the cancer group, indicating that these women present HRV reduction.

Reduction in global variability and parasympathetic modulation was also observed by Caro-Morán et al.⁸ in women with breast cancer undergoing chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and hormone therapy after 1 year of treatment. The authors observed reduced values of SDNN, RMSSD, and HF ms² in the cancer group in relation to the group without the disease. In these women, no significant differences were found in the LF ms² and LF/HF indices, although higher values were found in the cancer group.

It is important to note that higher parasympathetic modulation has been reported as an important factor related to a better prognosis for these patients, as observed by Giese-Davis et al.,²¹ who reported that high baseline HF values were associated with higher survival and lower cardiovascular risk. Greater parasympathetic modulation is generally associated with lower cardiovascular risk,²² so the reduced parasympathetic modulation found in the present study, observed through lower values of the RMSSD, pNN50, SD1, and HF ms² indices in the cancer group, may indicate higher cardiovascular risk and a worse prognosis in this population.

High HRV is associated with higher levels of parasympathetic modulation and longer survival in patients with myocardial infarction and those under palliative care.²¹ Regarding cancer, alterations in autonomic modulation influence the development and prognosis of the disease.

In a study carried out with an animal model it was shown that stimulation of the nervous system with the release of catecholamines can activate beta-adrenergic receptors in tumour cells, leading to more aggressive growth and dissemination of malignant cells, whereas in humans the use of beta- has been shown to be beneficial in reducing the risk of recurrence in patients with breast cancer.²³ Regarding parasympathetic modulation, Erin et al.²⁴ demonstrated that vagal blockade promotes the increase of metastases in mice.

Estrogen is indicated as the main cardioprotective factor for women and its reduction in menopause is related to the increase in sympathetic activity; a circumstance that may be aggravated in women with breast cancer due to treatment of the disease with AI.¹⁹ In this context, the present study presents important results regarding the clinical framework of these patients.

Regarding the correlation between HRV indices and cardiovascular biochemical variables, no correlation was observed with CRP, fasting glycemia, or HDL-Cholesterol. CRP has been highlighted, since elevated levels of this protein are associated with an increased risk of peripheral arterial disease, myocardial infarction, stroke, and sudden death,²⁵ and high levels of CRP are predictive of poor prognosis for cancer patients, regardless of lifestyle, menopausal status, and the presence of CVD.¹²

Although no statistically significant negative correlations were observed between HRV and CRP levels, indices reflecting overall variability and parasympathetic modulation presented marginal statistical values in relation to the correlation with CRP levels of the cancer group (SDNN - β95% CI = 0.92, p = 0.082; SD2 - β95% CI = 1.26, p = 0.136; RMSSD - β 95% CI = -0.50, = 0.089; SD1 - β95% CI = 0.36, p = 0.092).

Regarding the correlation between HRV and the triglyceride indices, we observed an inversely proportional correlation of triglycerides with the HFms² index β95% CI = -0.53; p = 0.045) and, although not significant, the SD1 index presented similar behavior (β95% CI = -0.03; p = 0.095). In addition, the indices that reflect global variability, SDNN and SD2, also presented inversely proportional correlations with the triglycerides (SDNN - β95% CI = -0.09; p = 0.045; SD2 - β95% CI = - 0.13; p = 0.044), suggesting that changes in autonomic modulation in women with breast cancer, characterized by a reduction in HRV, may be associated with a worse lipid profile. Studies show that ANS imbalance is associated with hormonal and metabolic alterations since this system plays a fundamental role in metabolic control.²⁶

The study presents some methodological points to be raised. In the analyzes, we did not take into account associated heart diseases or the use of medications which could alter cardiac activity. In addition, the sample size considered for correlation analyzes may not have been sufficient for correlations between CRP, blood glucose, HDL-Cholesterol and HRV to be considered statistically significant.

Despite this, the study presents an important clinical implication regarding alterations in the autonomic modulation of women with breast cancer who use AI and the inversely proportional relationship between HRV and triglyceride values in this population, suggesting a higher risk of CVD and a worse prognosis for these women. This information reinforces the need to use preventive strategies that are safe and effective in the clinical approach of these patients.

Conclusion

Based on our findings, women with breast cancer who use AI present reductions in HRV compared to women without cancer and in these women HRV indices are inversely correlated with triglyceride values.

• Sources of Funding
  There were no external funding sources for this study.
• Study Association
  This article is part of the thesis of Doctoral submitted by Thais Reis Silva de Paulo, from Programa de Pós graduação em Ciências da Motricidade - UNESP.
• Ethics approval and consent to participate
  This study was approved by the Ethics Committee of the Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia - UNESP under the protocol number 672.7715.1.00005402/2015. All the procedures in this study were in accordance with the 1975 Helsinki Declaration, updated in 2013. Informed consent was obtained from all participants included in the study.

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Publication Dates

• Publication in this collection
  28 Feb 2019
• Date of issue
  May 2019

History

• Received
  27 Mar 2018
• Reviewed
  06 Aug 2018
• Accepted
  15 Aug 2018