Several trials were able to show that not only iVNS dampens inflammatory reactions, but also taVNS leads to decreased serum levels of IL 1β, IL 6, TNF-α, and HMGB-1 in patients with myocardial infarction or atrial fibrillation compared to sham-stimulated controls. This evidence concerns the gene HMGB1 and myocardial infarction.