Acute and prolonged effects of sildenafil on brachial artery flow-mediated dilatation in type 2 diabetes.

摘要

OBJECTIVE-Flow-mediated dilatation (FMD), induced by occlusion of the brachial artery, is an index of nitric oxide-dependent endothelial function that is impaired in patients with type 2 diabetes. Sildenafil (Viagra) is an inhibitor of phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE-5), which is used for management of erectile dysfunction in a broad range of patients, including those with type 2 diabetes. Its effects on endothelial function in these patients have not been previously assessed. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS-We assessed the acute and prolonged effects of a low dose of sildenafil (25 mg) on FMD in patients with type 2 diabetes. We performed a double-blind, placebo-controlled cross-over trial in 16 patients (14 of whom completed the study) with type 2 diabetes who had erectile dysfunction without overt clinical heart disease. RESULTS-In these patients, the mean +/- SD brachial artery diameter (BAD) measured by ultrasound was 4.33 +/- 0.6 mm. After inducing FMD, the BAD increased 8% to 4.66 +/- 0.6 mm (P = 0.2). One hour after oral administration of sildenafil 25 mg, FMD increased the BAD significantly by 15% to 4.99 +/- 0.5 mm (P