Combined steroid and statin treatment could reduce 'accelerated aging' in preterm babies

Medical Xpress / University of Cambridge / Hypertension ^ | Feb. 1, 2023 | Professor Dino Giussani et al

[ConservativeMind]

Potentially lifesaving steroids commonly given to preterm babies also increase the risk of long-term cardiovascular problems, but a new study in rats has found that if given in conjunction with statins, their positive effects remain while the potential negative side effects are "weeded out."

Professor Dino Giussani 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 aging."

Dr. Andrew Kane thought this might result from steroids causing oxidative stress. Steroids lead to an imbalance of molecules known as free radicals, which result in a reduction in nitric oxide. Nitric oxide is extremely beneficial to the cardiovascular system—it increases blood flow and has anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Researchers gave the synthetic steroid dexamethasone, combined with the statin pravastatin, to rat pups. There were three other groups—one receiving dexamethasone alone, one receiving pravastatin alone and a control group that received saline. Measures of respiratory and cardiovascular function were then taken when the rats had grown to "childhood."

The Cambridge scientists found that steroids produced adverse effects on heart and blood vessels, and molecular indices associated with cardiovascular problems. But if statins were given at the same time, the rats were protected from these effects. Crucially, the statins did not affect any of the beneficial effects of steroids on the respiratory system.

"We're not saying to stop using glucocorticoids. We're saying that to improve this therapy—to fine tune it—we could combine it with statins. This gives us the best of both worlds—we can maintain the benefits of steroids on the developing lungs, but 'weed out' their adverse side effects on the developing heart and circulation, thereby making therapy much safer."

[ConservativeMind]

A simple tweak that should generally be harmless can save years on the cardio life of the young.

[ConservativeMind]

The “Take Charge Of Your Health” Ping List
This high volume ping list is for health articles and studies which describe something you or your doctor, when informed, may be able to immediately implement for your benefit.

Email me to get on either the “Common/Top Issues” (20 - 25% fewer pings) or “Everything” list.

[DannyTN]

Sounds like it could stop aging altogether! ??

[DannyTN]

It's not aging

[ConservativeMind]

This has no application in normal aging, from what I can tell.

It is only blunting bad cardio aging from steroid use in premies.

[DannyTN]

Yeah, I’m being facetious.

I just thought of all the negative statin effects and thought why would you want to do that to a baby. But they have their reasons.

[Mark]

Fountain of youth.