title: Phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors improve endothelial function and may benefit cardiovascular conditions.
abstract: The effects of phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors on vasodilation mediated via nitric oxide-cyclic guanosine monophosphate are well described. Less is known about other mechanisms through which phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors benefit endothelial function, including normalization of serum biomarkers, increased levels of endothelial progenitor cells, ischemia-reperfusion protection mechanisms, and other actions specific to patients with diabetes. These various mechanisms are reviewed. Their impact on several cardiovascular diseases, including erectile dysfunction, pulmonary hypertension, heart failure, high-altitude pulmonary edema, Raynaud's phenomenon, coronary artery disease, diabetes, and atherosclerosis, is presented.
authors: Heart Institute, Good Samaritan Hospital, Los Angeles, Calif 90017-2395, USA.
authors: Bryan G
authors: BG
authors: Schwartz
authors: Graham
authors: G
authors: Jackson
authors: Vera J
authors: VJ
authors: Stecher
authors: Deborah M
authors: DM
authors: Campoli-Richards
authors: Robert A
authors: RA
authors: Kloner
mesh_terms: D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D004730:Endothelium, Vascular / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology; D006439:Hemodynamics / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D019194:Ischemic Preconditioning; D058986:Phosphodiesterase 5 Inhibitors / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D014664:Vasodilation / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology
chemical_list: D058986:Phosphodiesterase 5 Inhibitors