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Sildenafil improves endothelial function in patients with pulmonary hypertension
Rosario Rossi1, Annachiara Nuzzo, Antonella Lattanzi
1Institute of Cardiology, Policlinico Hospital, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via del pozzo, 71. 41100 Modena, Italy. rossi.rosario@unimore.it <rossi.rosario@unimore.it>
Pulmonary Pharmacology & Therapeutics
|April 13, 2007
Summary
Sildenafil improves endothelial function and reduces pulmonary artery pressure in patients with pulmonary hypertension. This suggests improved endothelial function is a key mechanism behind sildenafil
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Sildenafil demonstrates efficacy in treating pulmonary hypertension and positively impacts endothelial function.
- The study investigates whether sildenafil's benefits in pulmonary hypertension stem partly from enhanced endothelial function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effect of sildenafil on endothelial function in patients with pulmonary hypertension.
- To determine if improvements in endothelial function correlate with clinical benefits of sildenafil.
Main Methods:
- Nine patients with thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension received sildenafil (mean dose 150+/-75 mg/day).
- Assessments included right-heart catheterization, 6-minute walking distance, and endothelial function tests (flow-mediated vasodilation, endothelin-1, von Willebrand factor) at baseline and 6 months.
Main Results:
- Sildenafil significantly reduced mean pulmonary artery pressure and arteriolar resistances.
- Patients showed improved functional capacity (average +37m walking distance).
- Endothelial function improved, with reduced endothelin-1 and von Willebrand factor levels (p<0.0001).
Conclusions:
- Sildenafil treatment led to significant hemodynamic and functional improvements in pulmonary hypertension.
- Enhanced endothelial function is a likely mechanism contributing to sildenafil's therapeutic effects in this patient group.
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