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Chronic phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibition has beneficial effects on subcutaneous adipose tissue plasticity in type

Daniela Fiore1, Daniele Gianfrilli1, Silvia Cardarelli1

  • 1Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy.

Journal of Cellular Physiology
|May 26, 2018
PubMed

Insights

Sildenafil, a phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor, reduced visceral fat in diabetic mice. It also improved subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) by increasing M2 macrophages and endothelial cells, suggesting improved metabolic health.

Area of Science:

  • Metabolic disease research
  • Adipose tissue biology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Adipose tissue depots influence metabolic risk.
  • Phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibition impacts adipocyte function.
  • Investigating PDE5 inhibitors for metabolic improvements is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To examine how Sildenafil affects adipose tissue distribution and subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) stromal-vascular fraction (SVF) composition in type 2 diabetic mice.
  • To assess the therapeutic potential of PDE5 inhibition in managing metabolic dysfunction.

Main Methods:

  • 18 db/db mice received Sildenafil or vehicle for 12 weeks.
  • Adipose tissue distribution was monitored.
  • Subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) stromal-vascular fraction (SVF) was isolated via flow cytometry for analysis.

Main Results:

  • Sildenafil treatment led to a significant reduction in overall adipose tissue (AT), primarily in visceral AT (VAT).
  • Increased frequency of M2 macrophages and endothelial cells was observed in the SVF of SAT from Sildenafil-treated mice.
  • Body weight changes correlated positively with VAT but not SAT in treated mice.

Conclusions:

  • Sildenafil improves adipose tissue distribution and enhances SAT homeostasis.
  • PDE5 inhibition may offer a therapeutic strategy for managing metabolic risks associated with type 2 diabetes.
Keywords:
adipocyte progenitorsendothelial cellsmacrophagesphosphodiesterase type 5sildenafilsubcutaneous adipose tissuetype 2 diabetes

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