Phosphodiesterase

Phosphodiesterase enzymes are often targets for pharmacological inhibition due to their unique tissue distribution, structural properties, and functional properties.[8] Inhibitors of PDE can prolong or enhance the effects of physiological processes mediated by cAMP or cGMP by inhibition of their degradation by PDE. Sildenafil (Viagra) is an inhibitor of cGMP-specific phosphodiesterase type 5, which enhances the vasodilatory effects of cGMP in the corpus cavernosum and is used to treat erectile dysfunction. Sildenafil is also currently being investigated for its myo- and cardioprotective effects, with particular interest being given to the compound's therapeutic value in the treatment of Duchenne muscular dystrophy.[9] PDE inhibitors have been identified as new potential therapeutics in areas such as pulmonary arterial hypertension, coronary heart disease, dementia, depression, and schizophrenia. Cilostazol (Pletal) inhibits PDE3. This inhibition allows Red Blood Cells to be more able to bend. This is useful in conditions such as intermittent claudication, as the cells can maneuver through constricted veins and arteries more easily. xanthins, caffeine, theobromine and thyroid hormone are phosphodiesterase inhibitors (enhance lipolysis as inhibition of phosphodiesterase enzyme and thus no decomposition of cAMP which activate kinase enzyme which phosphorylate hormone-sensitive lipase and activate lipolysis