The cost of publication in Journal of Biomedical Science is borne by the National Science Council, Taiwan.
Research
Protective effects of indomethacin and dexamethasone in a goat model with intrauterine balloon aortic valvuloplasty
1 Department of Pediatric Cardiology, Second University Hospital and West China Medical School, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
2 Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Second University Hospital and West China Medical School, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
3 Department of Ultrasound Cardiography, Second University Hospital and West China Medical School, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
4 Department of Pediatrics, Second University Hospital and West China Medical School, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
5 Key Laboratory of Obstetric & Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, Second University Hospital and West China Medical School, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
6 Program for Yangtze River Scholars and Innovative Research Team in University at West China Second University Hospital and West China Medical School, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
7 Department of Biomedical Science, College of Medicine, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL, 33431, USA
8 Department of Pediatric Cardiology, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 20, 3rd section, South Renmin Road, Chengdu, 610041, China
Journal of Biomedical Science 2012, 19:74 doi:10.1186/1423-0127-19-74
Published: 13 August 2012Abstract
Background
Intrauterine balloon aortic valvuloplasty (IUBAV) has been used for critical aortic stenosis. However, it is necessary to determine the fetal impairments such as preterm birth after this approach and to find a way to prevent or reduce them.
Methods
In the present study, we evaluated the therapeutic value of indomethacin (IDM) and dexamethasone (DXS) on reducing the preterm birth rate in experimental goats after IUBAV.
Results
Our results indicated that the administration of IDM/DXS significantly reduced the rate of premature birth. IDM/DXS treatment led to preservation of myocardial ultrastructure with less damage, and amelioration of the fetal and placental circulation. Furthermore, we found that norepinephrine (NE) level was positively associated with the degree of myocardial damage. IDM/DXS administration led to a significant decrease of operation-induced increase of NE levels, which may be associated with the protective effects of IDM/DXS. Lastly, we found that the administration of IDM/DXS did not induce the risk of ductus arteriosus closure or slow down fetal growth.
Conclusions
Our results indicate that IDM/DXS promotes a better gestational outcome at least partially by reducing stress response during and after the operation of IUBAV in the goat model. IDM/DXS may be a useful application in human patients during IUBAV intervention.
