title: PDE5 inhibitors: targeting erectile dysfunction in diabetics.
abstract: Erectile dysfunction (ED) is strongly linked to cardiovascular disease (CVD), especially in diabetics. ED is associated with deleterious changes in the overall vasculature and is recognized as an indicator of higher risk for adverse cardiovascular events. Endothelial dysfunction, vascular smooth muscle changes and increased fibrosis are indicated as major players in both ED and CVD. ED in diabetics is more refractory to acute treatment with phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) inhibitors (Viagra, Cialis, Levitra, Zydena) than in non-diabetics, but recent studies indicate that chronic administration of these drugs improves endothelial function, preserves vascular smooth muscle and decreases fibrotic changes. Use of PDE5 inhibitors in pre-diabetic and diabetic men may protect cardiovascular health, including vascular function in penile tissues.
authors.affiliation: Department Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232-0615, United States. Sharron.francis@vanderbilt.edu
authors.forename: Sharron H
authors.initials: SH
authors.lastname: Francis
authors.forename: Jackie D
authors.initials: JD
authors.lastname: Corbin
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D006152:Cyclic GMP / Q000502:physiology; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000150:complications*; D003925:Diabetic Angiopathies / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000503:physiopathology; D004730:Endothelium, Vascular / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology; D007172:Erectile Dysfunction / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000503:physiopathology; D005355:Fibrosis; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D058990:Molecular Targeted Therapy; D009131:Muscle, Smooth, Vascular / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology; D010410:Penile Erection; D058986:Phosphodiesterase 5 Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use*
chemical_list: D058986:Phosphodiesterase 5 Inhibitors; D006152:Cyclic GMP