Cardiovascular research
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Cardiovascular research · Aug 2013
The phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor vardenafil reduces oxidative stress while reversing pulmonary arterial hypertension.
Oxidative stress is implicated in the pathology of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Previously, we demonstrated that vardenafil, a phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor, has potential as therapy for PAH, although the mechanism remained uncharacterized. Here, we aimed to determine baseline levels of oxidative stress in PAH and investigate whether vardenafil affects oxidative stress levels while improving PAH. ⋯ Vardenafil reduces oxidative stress in rats and humans while improving PAH, warranting investigation of oxidative stress pathways as targets for PAH therapy.