Several clinical studies suggest substantial limitations of currently available positive inotropic substances, including beta1-adrenoceptor agonists and phosphodiesterase III inhibitors. Levosimendan, a myofilament calcium sensitizer with inotropic effects, increases myocardial performance without substantial changes in oxygen consumption and with neutral effects on heart rhythm. In addition, levosimendan has vasodilatory effects that are achieved by stimulation of adenosine triphosphate-dependent potassium channels. This review article briefly discusses the pharmacology of levosimendan and evaluates current available evidence to assess the safety and efficacy of levosimendan.
Adenosine ; Calcium ; Cyclic Nucleotide Phosphodiesterases, Type 3 ; Heart ; Myofibrils ; Oxygen Consumption ; Pharmacology ; Potassium Channels

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Cilostazol, a phosphodiesterase III inhibitor, is known to be a useful antiplatelet agent that inhibits the progression of atherosclerosis in ischemic stroke. This study investigated the effects of combining cilostazol with aspirin on the expressions of P-selectin and PAC-1 on activated platelets in acute ischemic stroke. METHODS: We analyzed 70 patients with acute ischemic stroke (<72 hrs of an ischemic event). The daily intake was 100 mg of aspirin in 37 patients and 100 mg of aspirin plus 200 mg of cilostazol in 33 patients. The expressions of P-selectin and PAC-1 on activated platelets were measured on the day of admission and 5 days later. We also evaluated the clinical progression using the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) at the same times. RESULTS: After 5 days the extent of PAC-1 expression on activated platelets was significantly lower for combined aspirin and cilostazol treatment (61.0+/-19.3%, p=0.008; mean+/-standard deviation) than the baseline level (70.9+/-12.9%), but did not differ between aspirin alone (66.0 +/-19.0%) and baseline (70.1+/-15.7%). The expression of P-selectin did not differ between combined aspirin and cilostazol treatment and baseline. The clinical progression did not differ between the two groups, as indicated by the absence of significant changes on the NIHSS in the acute period. CONCLUSIONS:This study found that the combined regimen of aspirin and cilostazol exerts the beneficial effect of reducing PAC-1 activity on activated platelets in acute ischemic stroke. However, the clinical outcome of this regimen was no better than that of the aspirin-only regimen. Therefore, further detailed studies of the possible clinical benefits of cilostazol in acute ischemic stroke are needed.
Aspirin ; Atherosclerosis ; Blood Platelets ; Cyclic Nucleotide Phosphodiesterases, Type 3 ; Humans ; National Institutes of Health (U.S.) ; P-Selectin ; Stroke ; Tetrazoles

OBJECTIVESTo investigate the effects of antisense oligodeoxynucleotide(ASON) on the cyclic nucleotide monophosphates (cNMP) in smooth muscle cells of human corpus cavernosum, and provide experimental groundwork for the gene therapy of erectile dysfunction.

METHODSPDE5 gene ASON(containing exon 1) was transfected into the corpus cavernosum smooth muscle cells with the presence of liposome DOTAP. Another sense oligodeoxynucleotide(SON) and 1% of bovine serum were also transducted into the cells as controls. Two of cNMP, cAMP and cGMP, were probed and measured by ELISA at 1, 2, 4, 6, 10, 24 and 48 h after transfection.

RESULTSAfter transfection, the level of cGMP(1-6 h) in human corpus cavernosum smooth muscle cells was significantly higher than that in controls(P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONSThe PDE5 gene ASON had been showed to manifest stimulative effect on the cGMP in smooth muscle cells of human corpus cavernosum in vitro, and it provides experimental groundwork for the gene therapy of erectile dysfunction.

3',5'-Cyclic-GMP Phosphodiesterases ; antagonists & inhibitors ; genetics ; Cyclic AMP ; metabolism ; Cyclic GMP ; metabolism ; Cyclic Nucleotide Phosphodiesterases, Type 5 ; Humans ; Male ; Muscle, Smooth ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Oligodeoxyribonucleotides, Antisense ; pharmacology ; Penis ; cytology

OBJECTIVETo evaluate whether mRNA levels of Pde4d and Alox5ap were associated with hypertensive stroke and hypertension in stroke-prone renovascular hypertensive rats (RHRSP) which could simulate human being's hypertensive cerebral stroke.

METHODSFive groups were established: normotensive group, gradient hypertensive groups I, II and III(with contractive pressure of 140-159 mmHg, 160-179 mmHg and 180-199 mmHg respectively) and spontaneous stroke group. RNA from leukocytes in peripheral blood of each rat underwent real time PCR after reversed.

RESULTSThe mRNA levels of Pde4d and Alox5ap of spontaneous stroke group were statistically higher than that of the other groups. Expression of Pde4d of hypertensive group I was a bit higher than that of normotensive group and hypertensive groups II and III; as for Alox5ap, there was no statistical difference between normotensive group and all gradient hypertensive groups.

CONCLUSIONAnimal experiments come to conclusions that over-expression of Pde4d and Alox5ap are associated with hypertensive stroke but not with hypertension. Therefore, the two genes confer the risk of hypertensive stroke independent of traditional risk factors. It is speculated that over-expression of Pde4d and Alox5ap can motivate onset of hypertensive cerebral stroke by participating in inflammation of arterial walls.

5-Lipoxygenase-Activating Proteins ; Animals ; Carrier Proteins ; genetics ; Cyclic Nucleotide Phosphodiesterases, Type 3 ; genetics ; Cyclic Nucleotide Phosphodiesterases, Type 4 ; Gene Expression Regulation ; Hypertension ; complications ; genetics ; Membrane Proteins ; genetics ; RNA, Messenger ; genetics ; metabolism ; Rats ; Rats, Inbred SHR ; Stroke ; complications ; genetics

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effect of phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) small interfering RNA (siRNA) on the cGMP in the smooth muscle cells of human corpus cavernosum, and to provide an experimental groundwork for the gene therapy of erectile dysfunction (ED).

METHODSSmall interfering RNAs targeting PDE5 gene were synthesized by using web design software provided by Ambion, three siRNAs and a control siRNA were synthesized by Ambion. siRNAs were transfected into the smooth muscle cells of human corpus cavernosum by using siPORT Lipid reagent. cGMP was detected by ELISA at different times (24, 48, 72 and 96 h) after transfection.

RESULTSThe cGMP levels of the siRNA1, siRNA2 and siRNA3 groups were significantly higher than those of the siRNA control and blank control groups (P < 0.05), and so was it in the siRNA1 group than the siRNA2 and siRNA3 groups (P < 0.05), with significant difference between the siRNA control and the blank control group (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONThe synthesized siRNAs in vitro are capable of increasing the level of cGMP in the smooth muscle cells of human corpus cavernosum, different siRNAs with different capabilities. The siRNA technique could provide not only an extremely powerful tool for the functional analysis of genome but also a new approach to ED gene therapy.

3',5'-Cyclic-GMP Phosphodiesterases ; genetics ; Cells, Cultured ; Cyclic GMP ; metabolism ; Cyclic Nucleotide Phosphodiesterases, Type 5 ; Gene Silencing ; Humans ; Male ; Myocytes, Smooth Muscle ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Penis ; metabolism ; RNA, Small Interfering ; pharmacology ; Transfection

AIMTo investigate the expression of recombinant human phosphodiesterase 3A (HPDE3A) using baculovirus expression system in Tn cell line.

METHODSThe HPDE3A cDNA was recombined with baculovirus, and then the recombinant was transfected into Tn cell line. The expression of HPDE3A in Tn cell line was detected and identified by the RT-PCR, SDS-PAGE and Western blotting.

RESULTSThe recombinant HPDE3A protein was stably expressed in Tn cell line and detected by the distinct morphological changes of Tn cell, RT-PCR, SDS-PAGE and Western blotting using polyclonal antibody. The M(w) of the recombinant protein was about 120 kD.

CONCLUSIONRecombinant HPDE3A can be expressed in Tn cell line using the baculovirus expression system, and thus provided the basic material for studying its bioactivity and application in screening for HPDE3A inhibitor.

3',5'-Cyclic-AMP Phosphodiesterases ; genetics ; metabolism ; Animals ; Baculoviridae ; genetics ; Cell Line ; Cyclic Nucleotide Phosphodiesterases, Type 3 ; Electrophoresis, Polyacrylamide Gel ; Moths ; cytology ; enzymology ; metabolism ; RNA, Messenger ; genetics ; metabolism ; Recombinant Proteins ; genetics ; metabolism ; Transfection

Current available treatment options for erectile dysfunction (ED) are effective but not without failure and/or side effects. Although the development of phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors (i.e. sildenafil, tadalafil and vardenafil) has revolutionized the treatment of ED, these oral medications require on-demand access and are not as effective in treating ED related to diabetic, post-prostatectomy and severe veno-occlusive disease states. Improvement in the treatment of ED is dependent on understanding the regulation of human corporal smooth muscle tone and on the identification of relevant molecular targets. Future ED therapies might consider the application of molecular technologies such as gene therapy. As a potential therapeutic tool, gene therapy might provide an effective and specific means for altering intracavernous pressure "on demand" without affecting resting penile function. However, the safety of gene therapy remains a major hurdle to overcome before being accepted as a mainstream treatment for ED. Gene therapy aims to cure the underlying conditions in ED, including fibrosis. Furthermore, gene therapy might help prolong the efficacy of the PDE5 inhibitors by improving penile nitric oxide bioactivity. It is feasible to apply gene therapy to the penis because of its location and accessibility, low penile circulatory flow in the flaccid state and the presence of endothelial lined (lacunar) spaces. This review provides a brief insight of the current role of gene therapy in the management of ED.
3',5'-Cyclic-GMP Phosphodiesterases ; antagonists & inhibitors ; Cyclic Nucleotide Phosphodiesterases, Type 5 ; Erectile Dysfunction ; drug therapy ; genetics ; therapy ; Gene Transfer Techniques ; Genetic Therapy ; adverse effects ; Humans ; Male ; Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors ; therapeutic use ; Vasodilator Agents ; therapeutic use

OBJECTIVETo further investigate the action mechanisms of berberine (Ber) and to assess the effects of Ber on the mRNA expression of phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) in rat corpus cavernosum.

METHODSAfter incubating with Ber for 1 or 3 h respectively, we examined the levels of PDE5 mRNA by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).

RESULTSThere were PDE5A1 and PDE5A2 mRNA expressions in the rat corpus cavernosum with PDE5A2 as the dominant isoform. Ber could obviously inhibit the mRNA expression of the two isoforms in the rat penis and bring on a pronounced decrease in PDE5A2 (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONThe present study indicates that the inhibitory effect of Ber on PDE5 mRNA expression, especially on PDE5A2, might account for its molecular mechanism for treating ED.

3',5'-Cyclic-GMP Phosphodiesterases ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Animals ; Berberine ; pharmacology ; Cyclic Nucleotide Phosphodiesterases, Type 5 ; Male ; Penis ; drug effects ; metabolism ; RNA, Messenger ; biosynthesis ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar ; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction

OBJECTIVESTo study the PDE5 activity in corpora cavernosa of the Ganyu Qizhi model penis and the effect of the Chinese herbal medicine Shugan Liqi Huoxue (SLH) ointment on it.

METHODSNon-injury stress stimulus method similar to human spirit stress was used to extablish the Ganyu Qizhi animal(rat) model, and the PDE5 activity in corpora cavernosa of the rat penis was measured by the method of immunohistochemistry and computer image analysis.

RESULTSThe PDE5 activity in corpora cavernosa of the high-dosage SLH group was significantly different from that of the model group (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONGanyu Qizhi may increase the PDE5 activity in corpora cavernosa of the penis while SLH can reduce such activity.

3',5'-Cyclic-GMP Phosphodiesterases ; metabolism ; Animals ; Cyclic Nucleotide Phosphodiesterases, Type 5 ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; pharmacology ; Erectile Dysfunction ; etiology ; Male ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Models, Animal ; Penis ; drug effects ; enzymology ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley

OBJECTIVETo construct an antisense RNA recombinant adenovirus vector of the human PDE5A1 promoter gene.

METHODSA cDNA fragment containing the human PDE5A1 promoter and the human PDE5A1-specific exon was determined according to the gene bank. The antisense RNA fragment was synthesized artificially and subcloned into the pENTR. Then, the sequence of pENTR fragment was detected, and the recombinant adenovirus vector pAd/CMV/V5/antisense-PDE5A1 was constructed by LR reaction with the Gateway expression system. The identified recombinant adenovirus plasmid was digested with Pac I and transformed into 293A cells to package recombinant adenovirus particles. The recombinant adenovirus particles were tested with PCR technique and purified after acquisition by CsCl density gradient ultracentrifugation.

RESULTSThe sequencing result showed a 145 bp fragment in pENTR, which was proved to be the domain of the antisense RNA fragment. PCR confirmed that the antisense RNA fragment was cloned into the recombinant adenovirus vector pAd/CMV/V5/antisense-PDE5A1 successfully and could infect 293A cells. The titer of virus stocks was up to 10(8) - 10(10)/microl after purification.

CONCLUSIONWith the Gateway expression system, the culturing and reproduction of 293A cells can reproduce recombinant adenovirus pAd/CMV/V5-DEST successfully, and the recombinant adenovirus vector can meet the need of in vivo gene transfection in laboratory studies.

3',5'-Cyclic-GMP Phosphodiesterases ; genetics ; Adenoviridae ; genetics ; Cell Line ; Cloning, Molecular ; Cyclic Nucleotide Phosphodiesterases, Type 5 ; Genetic Vectors ; Humans ; Plasmids ; genetics ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Promoter Regions, Genetic ; genetics ; RNA, Antisense ; genetics ; Recombination, Genetic