Research conducted at Texas A&M University, revealed that the drug was useful in solving fetal-growth problems in sheep, and could possibly be used to treat similar problems in humans, followed by further research.
Dr. Guoyao Wu, AgriLife Research animal nutritionist and Senior Faculty Fellow, Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, said, “Because 5 percent to 10 percent of infants are born as low birth-weight babies worldwide, and because fetal-growth retardation is also a significant problem in livestock species, our findings have important implications for both human health and animal agriculture.”
Study conducted on expectant ewes
The study was carried out when the research proposal was initiated by lead researchers Wu and Dr. Tom Spencer way back in 2003.
For the research, 60 ewes were mated to rams at the Texas A&M University Sheep Center. Expectant sheep were then at random chosen and treated with or without Viagra-- sildenafil citrate.
The research team found that continuous use of the drug improved fetus weight in both ‘adequately fed and nutrient-restricted female sheep.’
The team also found greater absorption of amino acids, and polyamines in fetus blood, and placental fluids-- fluids in the organ connecting developing fetus to the uterine wall in expectant ewes consuming the drug.
This concluded that Viagra modifies the flow of nutrients from the female sheep to the fetus. Yet, no changes were found in maternal weight, and body condition.
“The results of our study indicate that augmenting systemic blood flow may be a novel and effective strategy to prevent fetal growth retardation in humans and livestock species without affecting maternal health,” said Wu.
How does the drug act?
Sildenafil citrate was found to augment the flow of blood in pregnant sheep by transporting amino acids, and other fundamental nutrients desirable in fetal development.
“Viagra acts like nitric oxide to relax smooth muscle cells of blood vessels and, in turn, allow for increased uterine blood flow,” said Wu.
This suggested that Viagra can boost nutrients supply from the mother to the fetus through utero-placental blood flow.
The team though stressed on extended research taking other mammalian species, including pigs, cows and humans.
Details of the study appear in the Journal of Nutrition.
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