GOOD NEWS FOR SHEEP: Eli Lilly’s erectile dysfunction drug Cialis shows signs of reversing heart failure in sheep. “The findings may not be a total surprise. This class of drugs, PDE5 inhibitors, which also includes Pfizers Viagra and Bayers Levitra, was originally developed for cardiac disease. Then the scientists developing Viagra discovered the drug relieved ED. We do have limited evidence from human trials and epidemiological studies that show Tadalafil can be effective in treating heart failure, said the studys lead author, Andrew Trafford, in a statement. This study provides further confirmation, adds mechanistic details and demonstrates that Tadalafil could now be a possible therapy for heart failure. Its possible that patients taking Cialis for ED have already unknowingly benefited from the drugs protective effect on the heart, he added.”
UPDATE: A reader sends this: “A large body of experimental evidences have shown that the combination of T replacement therapy (TRT) and phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (PDE5i) is, usually, effective in restoring erectile function in patients with LOH and ED who have not responded to monotherapy for sexual disturbances. In fact, PDE5is potentiate the action of nitric oxide (NO) produced by endothelial cells, resulting in a vasodilator effect, while T facilitates PDE5i effects by increasing the expression of PDE5 in corpora cavernosa. Meta-analytic data have recognized to PDE5i a protective role on the cardiovascular health in patients with decreased left ventricular ejection fraction. In addition, several studies have shown pleiotropic beneficial effects of these drugs throughout the body (i.e., on bones, urogenital tract and cerebral, metabolic, and cardiovascular levels). TRT itself is able to decrease endothelial dysfunction, oxidative stress and inflammation, thus lowering the cardiovascular risk. Furthermore, untreated hypogonadism could be the cause of PDE5i ineffectiveness especially in the elderly. For these reasons, aging men complaining ED who have LOH should undergo TRT before or at the moment when PDE5i treatment is started.”
My sense is that we’re making a lot of progress in a lot of interconnected areas. Faster, please!