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Modeling Encephalopathy of Prematurity Using Prenatal Hypoxia-ischemia with Intra-amniotic Lipopolysaccharide in Rats
Published on: November 20, 2015
Antenatal glucocorticoids supplementation and central nervous system development.
Diego Gazzolo1, Laura D Serpero, Alessandro Frigiola
1Department of Maternal, Fetal and Neonatal Health, C. Arrigo Children's Hospital, Spalto Marengo 46, I- 15100 Alessandria, Italy. dgazzolo@hotmail.com
Antenatal glucocorticoids (GC) aid fetal lung development but may impact the central nervous system (CNS). This review examines GC effects, CNS biomarkers like S100B and MAP2, and their monitoring potential in newborns.
Area of Science:
- Perinatal medicine
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Antenatal glucocorticoids (GC) are standard for preventing infant respiratory distress syndrome.
- Concerns persist regarding potential adverse effects of antenatal GC on fetal neurodevelopment.
- Existing research presents conflicting findings on GC's impact on the central nervous system (CNS).
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the beneficial and detrimental effects of antenatal GC on the CNS in human and animal models.
- To evaluate the utility of specific biochemical markers (S100B, synaptophysin, MAP2) for assessing perinatal CNS status.
- To explore the potential of biological fluid analysis for monitoring fetal and neonatal CNS function following maternal GC exposure.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature review of studies on antenatal GC therapy.
- Analysis of research investigating CNS effects in human and animal subjects.
- Examination of studies utilizing biochemical markers (S100B, synaptophysin, MAP2) in perinatal contexts.
Main Results:
- Antenatal GC therapy demonstrates both protective effects on lung maturation and potential neurodevelopmental risks.
- Biochemical markers like S100B, synaptophysin, and MAP2 show promise in reflecting CNS changes.
- Assessing these markers in biological fluids may offer a non-invasive method for CNS monitoring.
Conclusions:
- Antenatal GC use requires careful risk-benefit assessment due to potential CNS impacts.
- Biomarkers such as S100B, synaptophysin, and MAP2 are valuable tools for evaluating neonatal CNS health.
- Monitoring CNS development via biological fluids could enhance care for infants exposed to antenatal GC.
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