Prenatal glucocorticoid exposure programs long-term left ventricular metabolism, function, and remodeling in baboons

American Journal of Physiology-Heart and Circulatory Physiology 2026 Open access

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Authors: Bowen Yang, Daniel A. Adekunbi, Hillary F. Huber, Raechel Camones, Jinqi Li, Alexander J. Moody, Angelica M. Riojas, Cun Li, Shannan Hall-Ursone, Patrice A. Frost, Thomas C. Register, Laura A. Cox
+3 more Peter W. Nathanielsz, Adam B. Salmon, Geoffrey D. Clarke
DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00360.2025
Cited by: 1
References: 61

Abstract

Antenatal maternal synthetic glucocorticoids (sGC) treatment effectively prevents neonatal respiratory distress but may predispose offspring to adverse cardiovascular outcomes later in life. Using longitudinal MRI and mitochondrial analysis in a well-characterized nonhuman primate model, we report progressive lipid dysregulation, impaired myocardial function, and left ventricular remodeling specifically in aging male but not female offspring. These findings underscore the need to refine sGC therapy to avert long-term cardiovascular risks in exposed offspring.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Neonatal Respiratory Health Research Birth Development and Health Stress Responses and Cortisol

Publication details

Journal / source
American Journal of Physiology-Heart and Circulatory Physiology
Publisher
American Physiological Society
Volume
330
Issue
4
Pages
H961–H976
Publication date
27 January 2026
Language
EN