Combined steroid and statin treatment could reduce ‘accelerated ageing’ in preterm babies, study in rats suggests
A new study into new-born rats, which are naturally born prematurely, has combined glucocorticoid steroids and statin therapy. The results, published today in Hypertension, show that the combined treatment led to the elimination of negative effects of steroids on the cardiovascular system while retaining their positive effects on the developing respiratory system. Cambridge scientists have found that the potentially life-saving steroids which are commonly given to preterm babies also increase the risk of long-term cardiovascular problems, but if given in conjunction with statins, their positive effects remain while the potential negative side-effects are ‘weeded out’. Lead author, Professor Dino Giussani from the Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience said: “Glucocorticoids are a clear lifesaver, but the problem with steroids is that they speed up the maturation of all organs. For the baby’s lungs this is beneficial, but for the heart and circulation system it can be damaging – it resembles accelerated ageing.”
Two versions of the article are available