Sildenafil reduces alcohol-induced gastric damage: just say 'NO'

Research output: Contribution to journalEditorialpeer-review

Abstract

Although sildenafil (Viagra) and other phosphodiesterase V (PDE V) inhibitors are increasingly recognized for their use in the treatment of male erectile dysfunction and perhaps more recently pulmonary artery hypertension, less is known of their potential beneficial effects in other situations. Medeiros et al., in the current issue of the British Journal of Pharmacology, report that sildenafil dramatically reduces alcohol-induced gastric damage in rats. The authors provide convincing evidence that such protection not only occurs via the nitric oxide (NO)/cGMP pathway, but also involves regulation of ATP-sensitive potassium channels. Therefore, in addition to exerting anti-impotence efficacy, PDE V inhibitors may provide significant beneficial effects from mucosal injury induced by alcohol.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)623-624
Number of pages2
JournalBritish Journal of Pharmacology
Volume153
Issue number4
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Feb 2008

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Sildenafil reduces alcohol-induced gastric damage: just say 'NO''. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this