Cardioprotective Effects of PDE-5 Inhibitors

Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond VA

Investigators

Linked publications, trials & patents

Abstract

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): Our innovative studies during the past 7 years have shown that potent phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE-5) inhibitors including sildenafil citrate (Viagra(R)) induce powerful cardioprotective effect against ischemia-reperfusion injury (I/R) in various animal and cellular models. The purpose of this competing renewal application is to further demonstrate the therapeutic effect of these drugs against myocardial infarction (MI)-induced heart failure and insulin resistance in diabetic mice. We will test the following new hypotheses: 1: Modulation of cGMP with PDE-5 inhibitors and novel soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) activator protect against myocardial infarction, apoptosis, remodeling and insulin resistance in the db/db diabetic mouse. We will determine the efficacy of short acting (sildenafil) or long acting (tadalafil) PDE-5 inhibitors and a novel sGC activator, BAY 58-2667 in protecting the diabetic heart and cardiomyocytes against myocardial infarction, apoptosis, contractile dysfunction, cardiac hypertrophy, pulmonary edema following I/R injury. 2: PDE-5 inhibitors/ sGC activator decrease oxidative stress and attenuate the expression of proinflammatory cytokines post MI in diabetic mice. 3: cGMP dependent protein kinases PKGI1 and 2 directly protect the diabetic heart through signaling mechanism involving activation of PI3K/Akt, AMPK, and inhibition of JNK and GSK- 32. These studies will be the first to demonstrate the protective effect of PDE-5 inhibitors and novel sGC activator in protection against post MI-induced heart failure in diabetic mice. We anticipate that results of these investigations will provide novel insights into expanding the utility of the cGMP preserving/generating compounds for treatment of diabetic cardiomyopathy.