1
|
Toso A, Aránguiz O, Céspedes C, Navarrete O, Hernández C, Vio CP, Luco M, Casanello P, Kattan J. Congenital diaphragmatic hernia: phosphodiesterase-5 and Arginase inhibitors prevent pulmonary vascular hypoplasia in rat lungs. Pediatr Res 2024; 95:941-948. [PMID: 36418485 DOI: 10.1038/s41390-022-02366-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2022] [Revised: 09/24/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Severe pulmonary hypoplasia related to congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) continues to be a potentially fatal condition despite advanced postnatal management strategies. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effect of the antenatal sildenafil and 2(S)-amino-6-boronohexanoic acid (ABH-Arginase inhibitor) on lung volume, pulmonary vascular development, and nitric oxide (NO) synthesis in a Nitrofen-induced CDH rat model. METHODS Nitrofen-induced CDH rat model was used. Nitrofen was administrated on embryonic day(E) 9,5. At E14, five intervention groups were treated separately: Nitrofen, Nitrofen+Sildenafil, Nitrofen+ABH, Nitrofen+Sildenafil+ABH and Control. At term, offspring's lungs were weighed, some paraffin-embedded for histology, others snap-frozen to analyze eNOS, Arginase I-II expression, and activity. RESULTS In CDH-bearing offsprings, ABH or Sildenafil+ABH preserved the total lung/body-weight index (p < 0.001), preventing pulmonary vascular smooth muscle cell hyperproliferation and improving lung morphometry. Sildenafil+ABH increased 1.7-fold the lung nitrite levels (p < 0.01) without changes in eNOS expression. Sildenafil and ABH improved the number of pulmonary vessels. CONCLUSION These results suggest that in this CDH rat model, the basal activity of Arginase participates in the lung volume and, together with phosphodiesterase-5, regulates NOS activity in the term fetal lung. The combined treatment (Sildenafil+ABH) could revert some of the pulmonary features in CDH by improving the local NO synthesis and preventing smooth muscle cell hyperproliferation. IMPACT This study presents Arginase inhibition as a new therapeutic target and the importance of the combined antenatal treatment to improve pulmonary vascular development in a congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) rat model. This study shows that the action of an Arginase inhibitor (ABH) enhances the effects already described for sildenafil in this model. These results reinforce the importance of prenatal treatments' synergy in recovering the hypoplastic lung in the Nitrofen-induced CDH rat model.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Toso
- Department of Neonatology, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Oscar Aránguiz
- Department of Neonatology, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Department of Obstetrics, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Carlos Céspedes
- Center for Aging and Regeneration CARE UC, Department of Physiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Faculty of Medicine and Science, Universidad San Sebastián, Santiago, Chile
| | - Orieta Navarrete
- Department of Pathology, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Cherie Hernández
- Department of Neonatology, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Department of Obstetrics, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Carlos P Vio
- Center for Aging and Regeneration CARE UC, Department of Physiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Faculty of Medicine and Science, Universidad San Sebastián, Santiago, Chile
| | - Matías Luco
- Department of Neonatology, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Paola Casanello
- Department of Neonatology, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile.
- Department of Obstetrics, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile.
| | - Javier Kattan
- Department of Neonatology, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Yoshida S, Kreger AM, Gittes GK. Intra-amniotic sildenafil treatment improves lung blood flow and pulmonary hypertension in congenital diaphragmatic hernia rats. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2023; 11:1195623. [PMID: 37545896 PMCID: PMC10399963 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2023.1195623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary hypertension associated with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is a critical factor in determining prognosis. We propose that intra-amniotic sildenafil administration is an effective prenatal therapy for CDH-induced pulmonary hypertension. To assess the efficacy of this treatment, we administered sildenafil to nitrofen-induced congenital diaphragmatic hernia fetuses and control fetuses via an intra-amniotic injection after a laparotomy on the pregnant dam at either E13.5 or E15.5. Intra-amniotic sildenafil treatment attenuated peripheral vascular muscularization, enhanced pulmonary blood flow, and increased the ratio of pulmonary artery size to aortic size in congenital diaphragmatic hernia fetuses after both E13.5 and E15.5 treatments. E13.5-treated congenital diaphragmatic hernia fetuses showed a higher and more prolonged expression of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP)-dependent protein kinase and more production of vascular endothelial growth factor, resulting in a significant improvement in lung architecture. The E13.5-treated congenital diaphragmatic hernia fetuses also had an increase in lung weight-to-body weight ratio and an improved fetal survival. Intra-amniotic sildenafil treatment did not show any detectable negative effects in control fetuses. Intra-amniotic sildenafil treatment for rats attenuates CDH-induced pulmonary hypertension and enhanced peripheral pulmonary blood flow. Moreover, early intervention may be preferable to better accelerate lung development and improve prognosis. Direct sildenafil administration via an intra-amniotic injection may be a promising option in congenital diaphragmatic hernia prenatal therapy.
Collapse
|
3
|
De Bie FR, Halline CG, Kotzur T, Hayes K, Rouse CC, Chang J, Larson AC, Khan SA, Spina A, Tilden S, Russo FM, Hedrick HL, Deprest J, Partridge EA. Prenatal treprostinil reduces the pulmonary hypertension phenotype in the rat model of congenital diaphragmatic hernia. EBioMedicine 2022; 81:104106. [PMID: 35779494 PMCID: PMC9244734 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2022.104106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2022] [Revised: 05/27/2022] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Persistent pulmonary hypertension (PH) causes significant mortality and morbidity in infants with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH). Since pulmonary vascular abnormalities in CDH develop early during foetal development, we hypothesized that prenatal maternal administration of treprostinil, through its anti-remodelling effect, would improve the PH-phenotype in the nitrofen rat model of CDH. Methods In a dose-finding study in normal, healthy pregnant rats, we demonstrated target-range foetal plasma treprostinil concentrations without signs of toxicity. Next, an efficacy study was performed assessing the effects of treprostinil administration at 900 and 1500ng/kg/min from gestational day (GD) 16 until term (GD 21) in CDH and control pups. Pulmonary vascular and airway morphometry, lung mechanics, and expression patterns of genes implicated in the prostaglandin vasoactive pathway were studied. Findings In rats maternal administration of 1500ng/kg/min treprostinil reached target foetal concentrations, with no detrimental maternal or foetal side-effects. Prenatal exposure to 900 and 1500 ng/kg/min treprostinil reduced the medial wall thickness (%MWT) (CDH·900, 38.5± 8·4%; CDH.1500, 40·2±9·7%; CDH, 46·6±8·2%; both p < 0·0001) in rat pups with CDH, however increased the %MWT in normal foetuses (C.T.900, 36·6±11·1%; C.T.1500, 36·9±9·3%; C.P., 26·9±6·2%; both p < 0·001). Pulmonary airway development, lung hypoplasia and pulmonary function were unaffected by drug exposure. Interpretation In pregnant rats maternally administered treprostinil crosses the placenta, attains foetal target concentrations, and is well tolerated by both mother and foetuses. This report shows a significant reduction of pulmonary arteriole muscularization with prenatal treprostinil in a nitrofen rat model, supporting the promise of this treatment approach for PH of CDH. Funding United Therapeutics Corporation provided treprostinil and financial support (ISS-2020-10879).
Collapse
|
4
|
De Bie FR, Russo FM, Van Brantegem P, Coons BE, Moon JK, Yang Z, Pang C, Senra JC, Omann C, Annaert P, Allegaert K, Davey MG, Flake AW, Deprest J. Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of sildenafil in fetal lambs on extracorporeal support. Biomed Pharmacother 2021; 143:112161. [PMID: 34537676 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2021.112161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2021] [Revised: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 09/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Maternal transplacental administration of sildenafil is being considered for a variety of fetal conditions. Clinical translation also requires evaluation of fetal safety in a higher species, such as the fetal lamb. Experiments with the pregnant ewe are curtailed by minimal transplacental transfer as well as limited access to the fetus. The EXTra-uterine Environment for Neonatal Development (EXTEND) model renders the isolated fetal lamb readily accessible and allows for direct fetal administration of sildenafil. METHODS Five fetal lambs were placed on extracorporeal support in the EXTEND device and received continuous intravenous (IV) sildenafil (0.3-0.5-0.7 mg/kg/24hr) for a duration of one to seven days. Plasma sildenafil concentrations were sampled at regular intervals to establish the pharmacokinetic profile using population pharmacokinetic modeling. Serial Doppler ultrasound examination, continuous non-invasive hemodynamic monitoring and blood gas analysis were done to evaluate the pharmacodynamic effects and fetal response. FINDINGS The target concentration range (47-500 ng/mL) was attained with all doses. Sildenafil induced an immediate and temporary reduction of pulmonary vascular resistance, mean arterial pressure and circuit flow, without change in fetal lactate levels and acid-base status. The duration of the systemic effects increased with the dose. INTERPRETATION Immediate temporary pulmonary vascular and systemic hemodynamic changes induced by sildenafil were biochemically well tolerated by fetal lambs on extracorporeal support, with the 0.5 mg/kg/24 h dose balancing rapid attainment of target concentrations with short-lived systemic effects. RESEARCH IN CONTEXT None. SEARCH STRATEGY BEFORE UNDERTAKING THE STUDY A literature review was conducted searching online databases (Medline, Embase and Cochrane), using search terms: fetal OR prenatal OR antenatal AND sildenafil, without time-limit and excluding human studies. Where relevant, investigators were contacted in order to avoid duplication of work. EVIDENCE BEFORE THIS STUDY Prenatal therapy with sildenafil, a phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor with vasodilatory and anti-remodeling effects on vascular smooth muscle cells, has been considered for a variety of fetal conditions. One multicenter clinical trial investigating the benefit of sildenafil in severe intrauterine growth restriction (the STRIDER-trial) was halted early due to excess mortality in the sildenafil-exposed arm at one treatment site. Such findings demonstrate the importance of extensive preclinical safety assessment in relevant animal models. Transplacentally administered sildenafil leads to decreased pulmonary arterial muscularization, preventing or reducing the occurrence of pulmonary hypertension in rat and rabbit fetuses with diaphragmatic hernia (DH). Validation of these results in a higher and relevant animal model, e.g. fetal lambs, is the next step to advance clinical translation. We recently demonstrated that, in contrast to humans, transplacental transfer of sildenafil in sheep is minimal, precluding the in vivo study of fetal effects at target concentrations using the conventional pregnant ewe model. ADDED VALUE OF THIS STUDY We therefore used the extracorporeal support model for fetal lambs, referred to as the EXTra-uterine Environment for Neonatal Development (EXTEND) system, bypassing placental and maternal metabolism, to investigate at what dose the target concentrations are reached, and what the fetal hemodynamic impact and response are. Fetal hemodynamic and metabolic tolerance to sildenafil are a crucial missing element on the road to clinical translation. This is therefore the first study investigating the pharmacokinetics, hemodynamic and biochemical effects of clinical-range concentrations of sildenafil in fetal lambs, free from placental and maternal interference. IMPLICATIONS OF ALL THE AVAILABLE EVIDENCE We demonstrated self-limiting pulmonary vasodilation, a decrease of both systemic arterial pressures and circuit flows, induced by clinical range concentrations of sildenafil, without the development of fetal acidosis. This paves the way for further investigation of prenatal sildenafil in fetal lambs on extracorporeal support. A dose of 0.5 mg/kg/24 h offered the best trade-off between rapid achievement of target concentrations and shortest duration of systemic effects. This is also the first study using the EXTEND as a model for pharmacotherapy during pregnancy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Felix R De Bie
- Center for Fetal Research, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, United States; MyFetUZ, Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Francesca M Russo
- Center for Fetal Research, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, United States
| | | | - Barbara E Coons
- Center for Fetal Research, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, United States
| | - James K Moon
- Center for Fetal Research, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, United States
| | - Zexuan Yang
- Center for Fetal Research, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, United States
| | - Chengcheng Pang
- Center for Fetal Research, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, United States
| | - Janaina C Senra
- Center for Fetal Research, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, United States
| | - Camilla Omann
- Center for Fetal Research, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, United States
| | - Pieter Annaert
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, KU Leuven, Belgium
| | - Karel Allegaert
- MyFetUZ, Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, KU Leuven, Belgium; Department of Hospital Pharmacy, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Marcus G Davey
- Center for Fetal Research, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, United States
| | - Alan W Flake
- Center for Fetal Research, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, United States
| | - Jan Deprest
- MyFetUZ, Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Marulanda K, Tsihlis ND, McLean SE, Kibbe MR. Emerging antenatal therapies for congenital diaphragmatic hernia-induced pulmonary hypertension in preclinical models. Pediatr Res 2021; 89:1641-1649. [PMID: 33038872 PMCID: PMC8035353 DOI: 10.1038/s41390-020-01191-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2020] [Revised: 09/09/2020] [Accepted: 09/24/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH)-related deaths are the largest contributor to in-hospital neonatal deaths in children with congenital malformations. Morbidity and mortality in CDH are directly related to the development of pulmonary hypertension (PH). Current treatment consists of supportive measures. To date, no pharmacotherapy has been shown to effectively reverse the hallmark finding of pulmonary vascular remodeling that is associated with pulmonary hypertension in CDH (CDH-PH). As such, there is a great need for novel therapies to effectively manage CDH-PH. Our review aims to evaluate emerging therapies, and specifically focuses on those that are still under investigation and not approved for clinical use by the Food and Drug Administration. Therapies were categorized into antenatal pharmacotherapies or antenatal regenerative therapies and assessed on their method of administration, safety profile, the effect on pulmonary vascular pathophysiology, and overall efficacy. In general, emerging antenatal pharmaceutical and regenerative treatments primarily aim to alleviate pulmonary vascular remodeling by restoring normal function and levels of key regulatory factors involved in pulmonary vascular development and/or in promoting angiogenesis. Overall, while these emerging therapies show great promise for the management of CDH-PH, most require further assessment of safety and efficacy in preclinical models before translation into the clinical setting. IMPACT: Emerging antenatal therapies for congenital diaphragmatic hernia-induced pulmonary hypertension (CDH-PH) show promise to effectively mitigate vascular remodeling in preclinical models. Further investigation is needed in preclinical and human studies to evaluate safety and efficacy prior to translation into the clinical arena. This review offers a comprehensive and up-to-date summary of emerging therapies currently under investigation in experimental animal models. There is no cure for CDH-PH. This review explores emerging therapeutic options for the treatment of CDH-PH and evaluates their impact on key molecular pathways and clinical markers of disease to determine efficacy in the preclinical stage.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kathleen Marulanda
- Department of Surgery, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Nick D Tsihlis
- Department of Surgery, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Sean E McLean
- Department of Surgery, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Melina R Kibbe
- Department of Surgery, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Branch pulmonary artery Doppler parameters predict early survival-non-survival in premature rupture of membranes. J Perinatol 2020; 40:1821-1827. [PMID: 32978527 DOI: 10.1038/s41372-020-00817-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2019] [Revised: 08/03/2020] [Accepted: 09/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Preterm premature rupture of membrane (pPROM) leads to high neonatal mortality due in part to severe lung hypoplasia (LH). In other causes of severe LH, fetal echo-based parameters of smaller branch pulmonary arteries (PA), shorter acceleration to ejection time ratio (AT/ET), increased peak early diastolic reverse flow (PEDRF), and higher pulsatility index (PI) are predictive of worse neonatal outcome. We sought to determine whether these parameters correlated with worse clinical outcome in pPROM. METHODS Twenty-five pregnancies complicated by pPROM were prospectively recruited. Fetal echocardiography was used to evaluate branch PA diameters and Doppler parameters. Clinical records were reviewed. Fetal echo findings were compared between early survivors and non-survivors. RESULTS Of 25 pPROM cases, 5 had early neonatal demise (≤3 days) due to respiratory insufficiency. While gestational age at pPROM, fetal echo, and at birth did not differ, amniotic fluid index (AFI) was significantly lower in early non-survivors compared to survivors (p = 0.05). No difference was observed in PA diameter, PEDRF, or PI; however, branch PA AT/ET was significantly shorter in non-survivors (right PA median 0.12 (0.11-0.16) vs. survivors 0.17 (0.14-0.21), p = 0.046 and left PA 0.12 (0.09-0.13) vs. survivors 0.16 (0.11-0.21), p = 0.042). CONCLUSIONS We found a significantly lower AFI and shorter fetal bilateral branch PA AT/ET to be associated with early neonatal demise following pPROM.
Collapse
|
7
|
Complementary Effect of Maternal Sildenafil and Fetal Tracheal Occlusion Improves Lung Development in the Rabbit Model of Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia. Ann Surg 2020; 275:e586-e595. [PMID: 33055583 DOI: 10.1097/sla.0000000000003943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effect of combining antenatal sildenafil with fetal tracheal occlusion (TO) in fetal rabbits with surgically induced congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH). BACKGROUND Although antenatal sildenafil administration rescues vascular abnormalities in lungs of fetal rabbits with CDH, it only partially improves airway morphometry. We hypothesized that we could additionally stimulate lung growth by combining this medical treatment with fetal TO. METHODS CDH was created on gestational day (GD)23 (n=54). Does were randomized to receive either sildenafil 10 mg/kg/d or placebo by subcutaneous injection from GD24 to GD30. On GD28, fetuses were randomly assigned to TO or sham neck dissection. At term (GD30) fetuses were delivered, ventilated, and finally harvested for histological and molecular analyses. Unoperated littermates served as controls. RESULTS The lung-to-body-weight ratio was significantly reduced in sham-CDH fetuses either (1.2 ± 0.3% vs 2.3 ± 0.3% in controls, P=0.0003). Sildenafil had no effect on this parameter, while CDH fetuses undergoing TO had a lung-to-body-weight ratio comparable to that of controls (2.5 ± 0.8%, P<0.0001). Sildenafil alone induced an improvement in the mean terminal bronchiolar density (2.5 ± 0.8 br/mm vs 3.5 ± 0.9 br/mm, P=0.043) and lung mechanics (static elastance 61 ± 36 cmH2O /mL vs 113 ± 40 cmH2O/mL, P=0.008), but both effects were more pronounced in fetuses undergoing additional TO (2.1 ± 0.8 br/mm, P=0.001 and 31 ± 9 cmH2O/mL, P<0.0001 respectively). Both CDH-sham and CDH-TO fetuses treated with placebo had an increased medial wall thickness of peripheral pulmonary vessels (41.9 ± 2.9% and 41.8 ± 3.2%, vs 24.0 ± 2.9% in controls, P<0.0001). CDH fetuses treated with sildenafil, either with or without TO, had a medial thickness in the normal range (29.4% ± 2.6%). Finally, TO reduced gene expression of vascular endothelial growth factor and surfactant protein A and B, but this effect was counteracted by sildenafil. CONCLUSION In the rabbit model for CDH, the combination of maternal sildenafil and TO has a complementary effect on vascular and parenchymal lung development.
Collapse
|
8
|
Kashyap AJ, Dekoninck PLJ, Rodgers KA, Thio M, Mcgillick EV, Amberg BJ, Skinner SM, Moxham AM, Russo FM, Deprest JA, Hooper SB, Crossley KJ, Hodges RJ. Antenatal sildenafil treatment improves neonatal pulmonary hemodynamics and gas exchange in lambs with diaphragmatic hernia. ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY OF ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY 2019; 54:506-516. [PMID: 31364206 DOI: 10.1002/uog.20415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2019] [Revised: 07/06/2019] [Accepted: 07/11/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Infants with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) are predisposed to pulmonary hypertension after birth, owing to lung hypoplasia that impairs fetal pulmonary vascular development. Antenatal sildenafil treatment attenuates abnormal pulmonary vascular and alveolar development in rabbit and rodent CDH models, but whether this translates to functional improvements after birth remains unknown. We aimed to evaluate the effect of antenatal sildenafil on neonatal pulmonary hemodynamics and lung function in lambs with diaphragmatic hernia (DH). METHODS DH was surgically induced at approximately 80 days' gestation in 16 lamb fetuses (term in lambs is approximately 147 days). From 105 days' gestation, ewes received either sildenafil (0.21 mg/kg/h intravenously) or saline infusion until delivery (n = 8 fetuses in each group). At approximately 138 days' gestation, all lambs were instrumented and then delivered via Cesarean section. The lambs were ventilated for 120 min with continuous recording of physiological (pulmonary and carotid artery blood flow and pressure; cerebral oxygenation) and ventilatory parameters, and regular assessment of arterial blood gas tensions. Only lambs that survived until delivery and with a confirmed diaphragmatic defect at postmortem examination were included in the analysis; these comprised six DH-sildenafil lambs and six DH-saline control lambs. RESULTS Lung-to-body-weight ratio (0.016 ± 0.001 vs 0.013 ± 0.001; P = 0.06) and dynamic lung compliance (0.8 ± 0.2 vs 0.7 ± 0.2 mL/cmH2 O; P = 0.72) were similar in DH-sildenafil lambs and controls. Pulmonary vascular resistance decreased following lung aeration to a greater degree in DH-sildenafil lambs, and was 4-fold lower by 120 min after cord clamping than in controls (0.6 ± 0.1 vs 2.2 ± 0.6 mmHg/(mL/min); P = 0.002). Pulmonary arterial pressure was also lower (46 ± 2 vs 59 ± 2 mmHg; P = 0.048) and pulmonary blood flow higher (25 ± 3 vs 8 ± 2 mL/min/kg; P = 0.02) in DH-sildenafil than in DH-saline lambs at 120 min. Throughout the 120-min ventilation period, the partial pressure of arterial carbon dioxide tended to be lower in DH-sildenafil lambs than in controls (63 ± 8 vs 87 ± 8 mmHg; P = 0.057), and there was no significant difference in partial pressure of arterial oxygen between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS Sustained maternal antenatal sildenafil infusion reduced pulmonary arterial pressure and increased pulmonary blood flow in DH lambs for the first 120 min after birth. These findings of improved pulmonary vascular function are consistent with improved pulmonary vascular structure seen in two previous animal models. The data support the rationale for a clinical trial investigating the effect of antenatal sildenafil in reducing the risk of neonatal pulmonary hypertension in infants with CDH. Copyright © 2019 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A J Kashyap
- The Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - P L J Dekoninck
- The Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - K A Rodgers
- The Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - M Thio
- Newborn Research Centre, The Royal Women's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Melbourne, Australia
| | - E V Mcgillick
- The Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - B J Amberg
- The Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - S M Skinner
- The Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - A M Moxham
- The Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - F M Russo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Division of Woman and Child, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - J A Deprest
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Division of Woman and Child, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Institute for Women's Health, University College London Hospital, London, UK
| | - S B Hooper
- The Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - K J Crossley
- The Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - R J Hodges
- The Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
- Monash Women's and Newborn Program, Monash Health, Melbourne, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Russo FM, Conings S, Allegaert K, Van Mieghem T, Toelen J, Van Calsteren K, Annaert P, Deprest J. Sildenafil crosses the placenta at therapeutic levels in a dually perfused human cotyledon model. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2018; 219:619.e1-619.e10. [PMID: 30194048 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2018.08.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2017] [Revised: 08/19/2018] [Accepted: 08/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sildenafil already is administered during gestation in patients with pulmonary hypertension and is under evaluation as a treatment for several pregnancy complications, such as preeclampsia and intrauterine growth restriction. Animal studies have shown a potential therapeutic effect of the drug in fetuses with congenital diaphragmatic hernia, rescuing peripheral pulmonary vasculature, and airway phenotype. When considering this drug for evaluation in a clinical trial, data on effective human placental drug passage are required. OBJECTIVE We quantified transplacental passage of sildenafil in the ex vivo dually perfused cotyledon model. STUDY DESIGN Six placentas that were collected after term delivery from healthy volunteers were cannulated and perfused dually. Sildenafil citrate was added to the maternal circulation at 2 different concentrations: 500 ng/mL, which represented the maximum tolerated concentration (n=3), and 50 ng/mL, which represented the therapeutic concentration (n=3). Samples were collected from both the fetal and the maternal reservoir at 0, 6, 30, 60, 90, 120, 150, and 180 minutes; the concentrations of sildenafil and its metabolite desmethyl-sildenafil were determined with the use of high performance liquid chromatography. The fetal/maternal concentration ratio was calculated for each timepoint. Transfer clearance was calculated as the rate of maternal to fetal passage/maternal concentration. RESULTS Sildenafil crossed the placenta at both maximal and therapeutic concentrations. Maternal and fetal levels reached a plateau at 90-120 minutes. Transfer clearance was the highest during the first hour of perfusion: 3.15 mL/min (range, 2.14-3.19 mL/min) for the maximum tolerated concentration and 3.07mL/min (range, 2.75-3.42 mL/min) for the therapeutic concentration (not significant). The fetomaternal concentration ratio significantly increased over time, up to 0.91±0.16 for the maximal concentration and 0.95±0.22 for the therapeutic concentration at the end of the perfusion (not significant). Desmethyl-sildenafil was not detected in any sample. CONCLUSION Sildenafil crosses the term placenta at a relatively high rate ex vivo, which suggests that there is sufficient placental transfer to reach clinically active fetal drug levels at the currently used maternal doses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Francesca M Russo
- Cluster Woman and Child, the Department of Development and Regeneration, Biomedical Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Sigrid Conings
- Cluster Woman and Child, the Department of Development and Regeneration, Biomedical Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Karel Allegaert
- Cluster Woman and Child, the Department of Development and Regeneration, Biomedical Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology, Erasmus MC Sophia Children's Hospital, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Tim Van Mieghem
- Cluster Woman and Child, the Department of Development and Regeneration, Biomedical Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Fetal Medicine Unit, Mount Sinai Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jaan Toelen
- Cluster Woman and Child, the Department of Development and Regeneration, Biomedical Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Kristel Van Calsteren
- Cluster Woman and Child, the Department of Development and Regeneration, Biomedical Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Pieter Annaert
- Drug Delivery and Disposition, the Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jan Deprest
- Cluster Woman and Child, the Department of Development and Regeneration, Biomedical Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Institute of Women's Health, Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Pelizzo G, Bussani R, Mazzon E, Anfuso C, Lombardi C, Zambelli V, Zandonà L, De Silvestri A, Zennaro F, Calcaterra V. Effects of Simvastatin on Fetal Cardiac Impairment in the Diaphragmatic Experimental Hernia Model. Fetal Diagn Ther 2018; 46:28-37. [PMID: 30199868 DOI: 10.1159/000490144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2017] [Accepted: 05/16/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Statins and sildenafil have been shown to exert beneficial effects in cardiac injury. We hypothesized that antenatal maternal administration of simvastatin and/or sildenafil might also promote benefits in cardiac remodeling of congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH). Therefore, we performed micro-CT image analysis and histology of the heart after antennal treatment in experimental nitrofen-induced CDH. METHODS At 9.5 days post conception (dpc), pregnant rats were exposed to nitrofen. At 16 and 20 dpc fetuses were treated with simvastatin and/or sildenafil. At 21 dpc postmortem micro-CT and autopsy were performed. RESULTS All nitrofen-treated fetuses had a lower birth weight compared to controls; in the simvastatin-treated group, a significant improvement in CDH was noted. Impairment of the lung and liver was also noted in CDH. Compared to controls, CDH rats showed lower ventricular mass, with greater left ventricular thickness; simvastatin decreased the ventricular mass and improved wall thickness. CDH rats exhibited myocardial hypotrophy, severe vascular depression in the left ventricle, and intense interstitial edema compared to controls and nitrofen-exposed animals without CDH. In CDH, the cardiac morphology appeared deformed with left ventricular wall verticalization. Simvastatin improved cardiac myocyte appearance and heart morphology. CONCLUSION The potential to treat CDH with antenatal simvastatin may improve the management of this malformation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gloria Pelizzo
- Pediatric Surgery Department, Children's Hospital, Istituto Mediterraneo di Eccellenza Pediatrica, Palermo, Italy,
| | - Rossana Bussani
- Institute of Pathologic Anatomy, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | | | | | - Claudio Lombardi
- Department of Radiology, Studio Diagnostico Eco, Vimercate, Italy
| | - Vanessa Zambelli
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Zandonà
- Institute of Pathologic Anatomy, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Annalisa De Silvestri
- Biometry and Clinical Epidemiology, Scientific Direction, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | | | - Valeria Calcaterra
- Pediatric Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Pavia and Department of Maternal and Children's Health, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Current and future antenatal management of isolated congenital diaphragmatic hernia. Semin Fetal Neonatal Med 2017; 22:383-390. [PMID: 29169875 DOI: 10.1016/j.siny.2017.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Congenital diaphragmatic hernia is surgically correctable, yet the poor lung development determines mortality and morbidity. In isolated cases the outcome may be predicted prenatally by medical imaging. Cases with a poor prognosis could be treated before birth. However, prenatal modulation of lung development remains experimental. Fetoscopic endoluminal tracheal occlusion triggers lung growth and is currently being evaluated in a global clinical trial. Prenatal transplacental sildenafil administration may in due course be a therapeutic approach, reducing the occurrence of persistent pulmonary hypertension, either alone or in combination with fetal surgery.
Collapse
|
12
|
Yamamoto Y, Hirose A, Howley L, Savard W, Jain V, Hornberger LK. Parameters of fetal pulmonary vascular health: baseline trends and response to maternal hyperoxia in the second and third trimesters. ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY OF ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY 2017; 50:618-623. [PMID: 27943455 DOI: 10.1002/uog.17383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2016] [Revised: 10/20/2016] [Accepted: 12/01/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Several parameters, including branch pulmonary artery (PA) diameter and Doppler-derived PA acceleration-to-ejection time ratio (AT/ET), peak late-systolic/early-diastolic reversed flow (PEDRF) and pulsatility index (PI) response to maternal hyperoxia, have been used to investigate fetal pulmonary health. Lower AT/ET, increased PEDRF and lack of PI response to hyperoxia have been observed in fetuses with severe lung hypoplasia and are considered markers of pulmonary vascular resistance. We sought to further define the evolution of PA diameter and Doppler parameters and their response to maternal hyperoxia in healthy fetuses. METHODS Fifty-four prospectively recruited women with healthy pregnancy underwent fetal echocardiography from 18-36 weeks of gestation. After baseline branch PA diameter and Doppler assessment, oxygen (8-10 L/min) was administered by non-reservoir facemask for 10 min and PA Doppler parameters were reassessed. RESULTS Branch PA diameters and AT/ET increased linearly with gestational age, while PEDRF increased quadratically (P < 0.001 for all) and PA-PI did not change. In response to maternal hyperoxia, although most fetuses demonstrated a significant decrease in PI for both branch PAs (right PA, P = 0.025; left PA, P = 0.040) ≥ 30 weeks, significant variability was observed in PI response with 31% of cases demonstrating either no response or a slight decrease. No other parameter demonstrated a measurable change in response to maternal hyperoxia. CONCLUSIONS From the mid-trimester, fetal branch PA diameters and AT/ET increase linearly and PEDRF increases quadratically, whereas PI remains unchanged. Although maternal hyperoxia triggers a significant decrease in PA-PI after 30 weeks, variability in this response may reduce its utility in clinical practice. Copyright © 2016 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Y Yamamoto
- Fetal and Neonatal Cardiology Program, Department of Pediatrics, Division of Cardiology, Women's & Children's Health Research Institute and Mazankowski Heart Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - A Hirose
- Fetal and Neonatal Cardiology Program, Department of Pediatrics, Division of Cardiology, Women's & Children's Health Research Institute and Mazankowski Heart Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - L Howley
- Fetal and Neonatal Cardiology Program, Department of Pediatrics, Division of Cardiology, Women's & Children's Health Research Institute and Mazankowski Heart Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - W Savard
- Fetal and Neonatal Cardiology Program, Department of Pediatrics, Division of Cardiology, Women's & Children's Health Research Institute and Mazankowski Heart Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - V Jain
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - L K Hornberger
- Fetal and Neonatal Cardiology Program, Department of Pediatrics, Division of Cardiology, Women's & Children's Health Research Institute and Mazankowski Heart Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Kardon G, Ackerman KG, McCulley DJ, Shen Y, Wynn J, Shang L, Bogenschutz E, Sun X, Chung WK. Congenital diaphragmatic hernias: from genes to mechanisms to therapies. Dis Model Mech 2017; 10:955-970. [PMID: 28768736 PMCID: PMC5560060 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.028365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 119] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Congenital diaphragmatic hernias (CDHs) and structural anomalies of the diaphragm are a common class of congenital birth defects that are associated with significant morbidity and mortality due to associated pulmonary hypoplasia, pulmonary hypertension and heart failure. In ∼30% of CDH patients, genomic analyses have identified a range of genetic defects, including chromosomal anomalies, copy number variants and sequence variants. The affected genes identified in CDH patients include transcription factors, such as GATA4, ZFPM2, NR2F2 and WT1, and signaling pathway components, including members of the retinoic acid pathway. Mutations in these genes affect diaphragm development and can have pleiotropic effects on pulmonary and cardiac development. New therapies, including fetal endoscopic tracheal occlusion and prenatal transplacental fetal treatments, aim to normalize lung development and pulmonary vascular tone to prevent and treat lung hypoplasia and pulmonary hypertension, respectively. Studies of the association between particular genetic mutations and clinical outcomes should allow us to better understand the origin of this birth defect and to improve our ability to predict and identify patients most likely to benefit from specialized treatment strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gabrielle Kardon
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Kate G Ackerman
- Departments of Pediatrics (Critical Care) and Biomedical Genetics, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
| | - David J McCulley
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53792, USA
| | - Yufeng Shen
- Department of Systems Biology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Julia Wynn
- Departments of Pediatrics, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Linshan Shang
- Departments of Pediatrics, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Eric Bogenschutz
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Xin Sun
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Wendy K Chung
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
- Department of Medicine, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Senefonte FRDA, Aydos RD, Oliveira VMD, Bósio MAC, Figueiró-Filho EA. Doppler velocimetry in fetal rats exposed to enoxaparin and unfractionated heparin (UFH) during pregnancy. Acta Cir Bras 2017; 32:325-333. [PMID: 28591361 DOI: 10.1590/s0102-865020170050000001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2017] [Accepted: 04/20/2017] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose: To evaluate the effects of enoxaparin and unfractionated heparin (UFH) administered in prophylactic and therapeutic doses on fetal vessels in healthy pregnant Wistar rats, according to Doppler velocimetry measurements. Methods: Fifty animals were assigned to one of five groups: controls (saline), prophylactic and therapeutic enoxaparin (1 and 2 mg/kg/day, respectively), and prophylactic and therapeutic UFH (72 and 400 UI/kg/day, respectively). Uterine horns were examined by ultrasound for identification of live fetuses. A sample of these fetuses underwent Doppler velocimetry. Spectral curves, peak systolic velocity (PSV), pulsatility index (PI), and resistance index (RI) of the middle cerebral artery, ductus venosus, and umbilical artery were investigated. Differences were considered statistically significant when p<0.05. Results: No significant differences in PSV, PI, or RI values were observed among the groups. Conclusion: Doppler velocimetry measurements revealed no significant effects of enoxaparin or unfractionated heparin on fetal vessels in pregnant Wistar rats.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Flavio Renato de Almeida Senefonte
- Fellow PhD degree, Postgraduate Program in Health and Development, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul (UFMS), Campo Grande-MS, Brazil. Conception, design, intellectual and scientific content of the study; technical procedures; acquisition and interpretation of data; statistical analysis; manuscript writing; critical revision
| | - Ricardo Dutra Aydos
- PhD, Associate Professor, Department of Surgery, UFMS, Campo Grande-MS, Brazil. Intellectual and scientific content of the study, critical revision, final approval
| | - Vanessa Marcon de Oliveira
- PhD, Pharmacist, Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde, UFMS, Campo Grande-MS, Brazil. Technical procedures, acquisition and interpretation of data
| | | | - Ernesto Antonio Figueiró-Filho
- PhD, Associate Professor, UFMS, Campo Grande-MS, Brazil. Conception, design, intellectual and scientific content of the study; critical revision; final approval
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Mous DS, Kool HM, Buscop-van Kempen MJ, Koning AH, Dzyubachyk O, Wijnen RMH, Tibboel D, Rottier RJ. Clinically relevant timing of antenatal sildenafil treatment reduces pulmonary vascular remodeling in congenital diaphragmatic hernia. Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol 2016; 311:L734-L742. [DOI: 10.1152/ajplung.00180.2016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2016] [Accepted: 08/08/2016] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Patients with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) suffer from severe pulmonary hypertension attributable to altered development of the pulmonary vasculature, which is often resistant to vasodilator therapy. Present treatment starts postnatally even though significant differences in the pulmonary vasculature are already present early during pregnancy. We examined the effects of prenatal treatment with the phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor sildenafil on pulmonary vascular development in experimental CDH starting at a clinically relevant time. The well-established, nitrofen-induced CDH rodent model was treated daily with 100 mg/kg sildenafil from day 17.5 until day 20.5 of gestation (E17.5–20.5). Importantly, this timing perfectly corresponds to the developmental stage of the lung at 20 wk of human gestation, when CDH is detectable by 2D-ultrasonography and/or MRI. At E21.5 pups were delivered by caesarean section and euthanized by lethal injection of pentobarbital. The lungs were isolated and subsequently analyzed using immunostaining, real-time PCR, and volume measurements. Prenatal treatment with sildenafil improved lung morphology and attenuated vascular remodeling with reduced muscularization of the smaller vessels. Pulmonary vascular volume was not affected by sildenafil treatment. We show that prenatal treatment with sildenafil within a clinically relevant period improves pulmonary vascular development in an experimental CDH model. This may have important implications for the management of this disease and related pulmonary vascular diseases in human.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daphne S. Mous
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Erasmus Medical Center - Sophia Children's Hospital, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Heleen M. Kool
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Erasmus Medical Center - Sophia Children's Hospital, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Marjon J. Buscop-van Kempen
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Erasmus Medical Center - Sophia Children's Hospital, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Anton H. Koning
- Department of Bioinformatics, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Oleh Dzyubachyk
- Department of Radiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Rene M. H. Wijnen
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Erasmus Medical Center - Sophia Children's Hospital, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Dick Tibboel
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Erasmus Medical Center - Sophia Children's Hospital, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Robbert J. Rottier
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Erasmus Medical Center - Sophia Children's Hospital, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Member of European Cooperation in Science and Technology (COST) action BM1201, “Developmental Origins of Chronic Lung Disease”
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Kalanj J, Salevic P, Rsovac S, Medjo B, Antunovic SS, Simic D. Congenital diaphragmatic hernia - a Belgrade single center experience. J Perinat Med 2016; 44:913-918. [PMID: 26985684 DOI: 10.1515/jpm-2015-0333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2015] [Accepted: 02/17/2016] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Though the outcome for children with congenital diaphragmal hernia (CDH) is improving, management of seriously compromised respiratory and cardiovascular function remains a great challenge. The aim of this study was to review a tertiary center experience in treating children with CDH. DESIGN Retrospective observational study from January 2005 to December 2014. SETTING Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) of University Children Hospital (UCH), Belgrade, Serbia. PATIENTS Children with CDH. RESULTS The CDH was diagnosed prenatally in 23% patients. An overall survival rate was 62%. Among those patients who underwent surgical repair 29 (90%) survived. There was statistically significant difference in survival rate between operated patients and total examined population (P=0.020). Prenatally diagnosed neonates with CDH had significantly lower survival rate comparing to those who were postnatally diagnosed (20% vs. 75%; P=0.002). Fatal outcome was more frequent in patients with small birth weight comparing to those with normal birth weight (67% vs. 30%; P=0.046). CONCLUSIONS Our center survival rate for CDH is in accordance with other reported studies. Based on our experience there are potential points for further improvement. First, further increase of prenatal detection, planning for delivery, and coordinated transfer to tertiary institution, in order to avoid transfer of near death patients. Second, preoperative management in the NICU. This could be done by more uniform implementation of current consensual guidelines in monitoring, mechanical ventilation and circulatory support of these delicate patients, together with rationale use of newer therapeutic resources.
Collapse
|
17
|
Russo FM, Toelen J, Eastwood MP, Jimenez J, Miyague AH, Vande Velde G, DeKoninck P, Himmelreich U, Vergani P, Allegaert K, Deprest J. Transplacental sildenafil rescues lung abnormalities in the rabbit model of diaphragmatic hernia. Thorax 2016; 71:517-25. [PMID: 26987998 DOI: 10.1136/thoraxjnl-2015-207949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2015] [Accepted: 02/20/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The management of congenital diaphragmatic hernia (DH) would benefit from an antenatal medical therapy, which addresses both lung hypoplasia and persistent pulmonary hypertension. We aimed at evaluating the pulmonary effects of sildenafil in the fetal rabbit model for DH. METHODS We performed a dose-finding study to achieve therapeutic fetal plasmatic concentrations without toxicity following maternal sildenafil administration. Subsequently, DH fetuses were randomly exposed to transplacental placebo or sildenafil 10 mg/kg/day from gestational day 24 until examination at term (day 30). Efficacy measures were ipsilateral pulmonary vascular and airway morphometry, micro-CT-based branching analysis, Doppler flow in the main pulmonary artery and postnatal lung mechanics. RESULTS Fetal sildenafil plasmatic concentration was above the minimal therapeutic level for at least 22 h/day without maternal and fetal side effects. The placebo-exposed DH fetuses had increased wall thickness in peripheral pulmonary vessels and significantly less fifth-order vessels compared with controls (CTR). Sildenafil-exposed DH fetuses, instead, had a medial and adventitial thickness in peripheral pulmonary vessels in the normal range and normal vascular branching. Fetal pulmonary artery Doppler showed a reduction of pulmonary vascular resistances both in DH and in CTR fetuses treated by sildenafil compared with the placebo-treated ones. Sildenafil also reversed the mean terminal bronchiolar density to normal and improved lung mechanics, yet without measurable impact on lung-to-bodyweight ratio. CONCLUSIONS In the rabbit model for DH, antenatal sildenafil rescues vascular branching and architecture, reduces pulmonary vascular resistances and also improves airway morphometry and respiratory mechanics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Francesca M Russo
- Cluster Organ Systems, Department of Development and Regeneration, Biomedical Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jaan Toelen
- Cluster Organ Systems, Department of Development and Regeneration, Biomedical Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium Department of Pediatrics, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - M Patrice Eastwood
- Cluster Organ Systems, Department of Development and Regeneration, Biomedical Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Julio Jimenez
- Cluster Organ Systems, Department of Development and Regeneration, Biomedical Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Clinica Alemana, Santiago, Chile
| | - Andre Hadyme Miyague
- Cluster Organ Systems, Department of Development and Regeneration, Biomedical Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Greetje Vande Velde
- Department of Imaging and Pathology, Biomedical MRI/MoSAIC, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Philip DeKoninck
- Cluster Organ Systems, Department of Development and Regeneration, Biomedical Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Uwe Himmelreich
- Department of Pediatrics, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Patrizia Vergani
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Karel Allegaert
- Cluster Organ Systems, Department of Development and Regeneration, Biomedical Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium Department of Neonatalogy, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jan Deprest
- Cluster Organ Systems, Department of Development and Regeneration, Biomedical Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Women's Health, University College London, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Jeanty C, Kunisaki SM, MacKenzie TC. Novel non-surgical prenatal approaches to treating congenital diaphragmatic hernia. Semin Fetal Neonatal Med 2014; 19:349-56. [PMID: 25456754 DOI: 10.1016/j.siny.2014.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
This review focuses on the emerging field of non-surgical in-utero therapies in the management of fetal pulmonary hypoplasia and pulmonary hypertension associated with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH). These experimental approaches include pharmacologic as well as stem-cell-based strategies. Current barriers of non-surgical therapies toward clinical translation are emphasized. As the severity of CDH will likely influence the efficacy of any in-utero therapy, the current status of prenatal imaging and the role of novel biomarkers, especially those related to fetal inflammation, are also reviewed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cerine Jeanty
- Department of Surgery, University of California San Francisco, CA, USA; Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine, University of California San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Shaun M Kunisaki
- Department of Surgery, C.S. Mott Children's Hospital, University of Michigan Health System, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Tippi C MacKenzie
- Department of Surgery, University of California San Francisco, CA, USA; Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine, University of California San Francisco, CA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|