Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 30, 2026

Treatment Model for Young Patients with Psychogenic Erectile Dysfunction and Resultant Infertility
Published on: May 30, 2025
[Sildenafil therapy for pulmonary hypertension: a prospective study]
Xian-ling Lu1, Chang-ming Xiong, Guang-liang Shan
1Center for Diagnosis and Management of Pulmonary Vascular Diseases, Cardiovascular Institute and Fu Wai Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100037, China.
Oral sildenafil therapy demonstrated significant improvements in exercise capacity and functional class for patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). The study confirmed sildenafil
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Pulmonology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a severe condition characterized by high blood pressure in the pulmonary arteries.
- Current treatments aim to improve symptoms and slow disease progression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the safety and efficacy of oral sildenafil in treating pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH).
- To provide evidence for sildenafil's use in Chinese PAH patients.
Main Methods:
- A 12-week, prospective, open-label study involving 56 PAH patients.
- Patients received oral sildenafil (25 mg, three times daily).
- Primary endpoint: change in 6-minute walk (6MW) distance; secondary endpoints: changes in WHO functional class and hemodynamics.
Main Results:
- Sildenafil significantly improved WHO functional class and 6MW distance (P < 0.01).
- Hemodynamic parameters, including mean pulmonary artery pressure and cardiac index, showed significant improvement (P < 0.01).
- Observed side effects were mild, and no significant clinical worsening occurred.
Conclusions:
- Oral sildenafil is effective in improving exercise capacity, functional class, and hemodynamics in PAH patients.
- Sildenafil demonstrates a favorable safety profile for PAH treatment.
Related Concept Videos
Treatment for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors
Among the PDE5 inhibitors, sildenafil (Revatio) stands out as a competitive and selective inhibitor. It operates by elevating cellular levels of cGMP and augmenting signaling through the cGMP-PKG pathway, promoting vasodilation. Upon oral...
Treatment for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: Prostacyclin Receptor Agonists
These agonists bind to the IPR receptor situated on the plasma membrane of the pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells. This binding triggers a cascade of reactions known as the GS-AC-cAMP-PKA pathway. This pathway results in the relaxation of smooth muscle...
Treatment for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: Oxygen Therapy for Respiratory Failure
Oxygen therapy is vital in increasing and maintaining blood oxygen levels in PAH patients. As a result, it aids in reducing fatigue, improving...
Treatment for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: Endothelin Receptor Antagonists
ETs are synthesized through a complex sequence of enzymatic steps, primarily involving an enzyme referred to as endothelin-converting enzyme (ECE). Of...
Treatment for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: Receptor Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors and Calcium Channel Blockers
TKIs, such as imatinib (Gleevec), are particularly effective in tackling the growth and mitogenic factors that become upregulated in PAH patients. These factors contribute to the...
Pulmonary Hypertension: Classification and Pathogenesis
There are various classifications for PH, each relating to different underlying causes and also...

