Formulation and Evaluation of Orodispersible Tablet Containing Combination of Phosphodiesterase-5 Inhibitor and Herbal Aphrodisiac

Purpose: Sildenafil citrate is widely used drug for the treatment of Erectile Dysfunction (ED) and Ginseng is a natural aphrodisiac reported to benefit this condition. The objective of the present study was to develop orodispersible tablets (ODTs) containing combination of Sildenafil citrate and Ginseng extract to improve the bioavailability, reduce the dosing frequency and thereby maintaining the therapeutic efficacy of the drug. Methods: The ODTs were prepared using superdisintegrants such as Croscarmellose sodium (CCS), povidone, and sodium starch glycolate (SSG) at varying concentrations (2%, 4% and 6%) by direct compression. The bitter taste of Sildenafil citrate was masked by Doshion resin. The optimized formulation based on least disintegration time (DT) was chosen to reformulate using sublimating agents such as camphor, menthol or thymol at varying concentrations (1%, 2%, 3%) to further reduce the DT. The compatibility of drug with excipients was investigated and the prepared formulations were evaluated for pre and post-compression parameters. Results: The post-compression parameters such as weight variation, hardness, friability, DT and in-vitro drug release was found within specified limit. The formulation with camphor (2%) had DT of 12 sec and drug release >90% within 5 min hence was considered as optimized formulation. The accelerated stability study and kinetics modelling was performed for optimized formulation. Conclusion: The formulated Sildenafil citrate and Ginseng ODT’s were found to be promising formulation with quicker DT and drug release which will eventually have higher bioavailability and better efficacy along with averting the issues of swallowing and improving patient compliance.

Evaluation of the Effects of Aqueous Extract of Sarcocephalus latifolius on Sexual Behaviour in Male Rats

Background: Sarcocephalus latifolius, a plant of the Rubiaceae family, is found exclusively in tropical Africa, more particularly in sub-Saharan West Africa, stretching from Senegal to Zaire, but is also found as far east as Sudan (Sudan-Guinean zone). The leaves of this plant are used in traditional African medicine to treat numerous pathologies such as infertility. Aims/Objective: The present study aims to evaluate the effects of the aqueous extract of Sarcocephalus latifolius leaves on sexual parameters in male rats. Methods: The sexual parameters (latency of the mating position, latency of intromission, latency of ejaculation and mean copulation interval) were assessed by the classical method by administering distilled water, sildenafil citrate (reference molecule) called Viagra at the dose of 5 mg/kg of body weight and the aqueous extract of Sarcocephalus latifolius leaves at the dose of 1000 mg/kg of body weight per day for eight days to three batches of male rats respectively. These parameters were determined over a period of thirty minutes. Results: The results obtained show that the aqueous extract of Sarcocephalus latifolius leaves at a dose of 1000 mg/kg of body weight significantly (P < .001) decreases the latency time of mating position and the latency time of intromission, whereas this extract significantly (P < .001) increases the latency time of ejaculation and the average copulation interval. Conclusion: Aqueous extract of Sarcocephalus latifolius leaves has aphrodisiac properties which are due to sterols, flavonoids and saponosides.

A clinical study of different doses and frequencies of Sildenafil in the treatment of erectile dysfunction / 现代泌尿外科杂志

【Objective】 To evaluate the efficacy and safety of different doses and frequencies of oral Sildenafil in the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED). 【Methods】 The randomized,open clinical trial included 120 ED patients who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The patients were randomly divided into the following groups:on-schedule (25 mg/day),on-demand (50 mg,taken irregularly half an hour before each sexual life),new regular group (25 mg/day,50 mg more before each sexual life),regular group (100 mg/time,twice/week). All treatments lasted for 8 weeks. The follow-up indexes included the five-item International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5),Erection Hardness Scale (EHS) and Sexual Encounter Profile (SEP2/3). The adverse reactions were recorded. 【Results】 The IIEF-5 scores of the four groups were significantly higher than those after baseline treatment (P0.05). In terms of effective rate,at the 16th week,there were significant differences between the on-demand group (10.7%) and new regular group (62.1%),and between the on-demand group (10.7%) and regular group (50.0%) (P<0.001). In terms of EHS, the percentage of grade 4 patients in regular group was significant higher than that in the on-demand group at the 8th week and 16th week (all P<0.05). In terms of positive rate of SEP-3,there was a significant difference between the on-demand group and regular group (P=0.042) at the 16th week. In the course of treatment,there were transient adverse reactions such as headache,blurred vision,stuffy nose and back pain,which did not affect the treatment. 【Conclusion】 All of the four treatment methods of oral sildenafil showed good efficacy. Both regular group and new regular group maintained good clinical efficacy during the follow-up,which is better than that of the on-demand group. The new regular scheme can be used as a new,safe and effective treatment option.

Uso del sildenafilo oral en el tratamiento del linfangioma orbitario / Use of Oral Sildenafil in the Treatment of Orbital Lymphangioma

Los linfangiomas orbitarios son malformaciones vasculares benignas, de crecimiento lento, abortivas y no funcionales, que se presentan principalmente en la primera década de la vida. Las opciones terapéuticas en estos casos presentan una resolutividad limitada, algunos tratamientos suelen ser agresivos y provocar daños del aparato visual. Se presenta un caso de una paciente femenina de 6 años de edad atendida por proptosis del ojo izquierdo a la que se le realizó el diagnóstico clínico-imagenológico de linfangioma de la órbita, con el objetivo de mostrar el resultado alcanzado en el manejo de la misma mediante el uso del sildenafilo por vía oral, modalidad terapéutica en estudio a nivel mundial en el tratamiento de estas afecciones. El tratamiento con sildenafilo en el linfangioma orbitario demostró ser eficaz en la mejoría del cuadro clínico y por imágenes. Durante el tratamiento no se reportaron reacciones adversas(AU)

Orbital lymphatic malformations are benign, slow-growing, abortive, nonfunctional vascular malformations that occur mainly in the first decade of life. Therapeutic options in these cases present limited resolution, some treatments are usually aggressive and cause damage to the visual apparatus. We present a case of a 6-year-old female patient treated for proptosis of the left eye. The clinical-imaging diagnosis of lymphangioma of the orbit was made to show the results achieved in its treatment through the use of oral sildenafil, a therapeutic modality under study worldwide in the treatment of these conditions. The treatment with sildenafil in orbital lymphangioma proved to be effective in the improvement of the clinical and imaging picture. No adverse reactions were reported during treatment(AU)

Sildenafil como tratamiento de la restricción de crecimiento intrauterino, revisión sistemática de la literatura / Sildenafil as a treatment for blood restriction fetal growth, systematic review of the literature

INTRODUCCIÓN Y OBJETIVO: La restricción del crecimiento intrauterino (RCIU), expresión insuficiente del potencial genético de crecimiento fetal, complica el 5-8% de los embarazos, con unas altas tasas de morbimortalidad perinatal. De origen multifactorial, puede ser causada por patologías maternas, fetales o placentarias. El tratamiento es limitado, optándose por un seguimiento riguroso con eventual interrupción del embarazo según la evolución. Se han utilizado diferentes estrategias terapéuticas para su prevención y manejo, surgiendo el citrato de sildenafil (CS), inhibidor de la fosfodiesterasa tipo 5, como fármaco que podría mejorar el flujo sanguíneo uteroplacentario y ofrecer mejores resultados perinatales en fetos con RCIU. Se propone realizar una revisión de la literatura disponible en relación al CS como tratamiento del RCIU. MÉTODO: Se realizó una búsqueda de literatura en inglés y español. De 105 artículos seleccionados, se excluyeron 94. La información obtenida fue clasificada y utilizada como soporte para la realización de esta revisión, siguiendo el modelo PRISMA. RESULTADOS: Se encontraron 11 estudios que contrastan el uso de placebo y CS en pacientes con RCIU. Respecto al aumento de peso al nacimiento, solo dos estudios demostraron evidencia significativa. Se reportaron 40 casos de muerte fetal/neonatal asociada al tratamiento con CS. CONCLUSIONES: No se encontró evidencia suficiente que justifique el uso sistemático de CS en casos de RCIU. Aún es necesario realizar estudios con muestras de mayor tamaño y posterior metaanálisis para confirmar el beneficio farmacológico en cuanto al aumento de peso de nacimiento, la prolongación del embarazo y los posibles efectos adversos a largo plazo.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is an insufficient expression of the genetic potential for fetal growth, complicates 5-8% of pregnancies and represents high rates of perinatal morbidity and mortality. Of multifactorial origin, it can be caused by pathologies at the maternal, fetal or placental level. The treatment is limited, opting for a rigorous follow-up with eventual interruption of the pregnancy according to evolution. Different therapeutic strategies have been used for its prevention and management, emerging sildenafil citrate (CS), inhibitor of phosphodiesterase type 5, as a drug that could improve the uteroplacental blood flow and offer better perinatal results in fetuses with IUGR. A review of the available literature on CS as a treatment for IUGR is proposed. METHOD: A search was conducted for literature in English and Spanish. Out of 105 selected articles, 94 were excluded. The information obtained was classified and used as support for this review, following the PRISMA model. RESULTS: We found 11 studies that contrast the use of placebo and CS in patients with IGR. Regarding birth weight gain, only two studies showed significant evidence. Forty cases of fetal/neonatal death associated with CS treatment were reported. CONCLUSIONS: Not enough evidence was found to justify the routine use of CS in IUGR cases. Studies with larger samples and subsequent meta-analysis are still necessary to confirm the benefit of this drug in terms of birth weight gain, prolongation of pregnancy and possible long-term adverse effects.

Tratamiento farmacológico en la restricción del crecimiento fetal: revisión de la bibliografía / Pharmacological management for fetal growth restriction: literature review

Resumen OBJETIVO: Explorar las diferentes estrategias de tratamiento farmacológico de la restricción del crecimiento fetal propuestas a lo largo del tiempo. METODOLOGÍA: Revisión cuasi-sistemática de la evidencia científica histórica disponible acerca del tratamiento médico descrito para la atención de mujeres embarazadas con restricción del crecimiento fetal. RESULTADOS: Entre los tratamientos médicos descritos para tratar la restricción del crecimiento fetal, los donadores de óxido nítrico, las estatinas y la aspirina asociada con omega 3, han tenido desenlaces no consistentes en estudios con limitado tamaño de muestra. Por lo que se refiere a los inhibidores de la 5-fosfodiesterasa, el sildenafilo no se ha asociado con un aumento de la velocidad de crecimiento fetal pero sí con alarmas respecto de su seguridad debidas al incremento de los casos de hipertensión pulmonar fetal y mortalidad perinatal. Por su parte, el tadalafilo ha mostrado desenlaces iniciales favorables y se esperan estudios con mayor tamaño de muestra que permitan emitir recomendaciones claras con respecto a su indicación. También se esperan los desenlaces de estudios clínicos en curso, para definir la indicación de la heparina de bajo peso molecular en este escenario en virtud de sus prometedores resultados iniciales. Los procedimientos más invasivos, como la inyección de factor de crecimiento endotelial vascular y la plasmaféresis, permanecen en estudio como propuestas terapéuticas por los resultados de estudios preclínicos y clínicos con pocos pacientes. CONCLUSIÓN: Por ahora, ninguna estrategia farmacológica propuesta ha conseguido generar recomendaciones fuertes para su indicación; sin embargo, se esperan nuevos estudios con alta calidad metodológica que generen evidencia científica lo suficientemente contundente para recomendar su indicación.

Abstract OBJECTIVE: To explore the different pharmacological treatment strategies for fetal growth restriction proposed over time. METHODOLOGY: Quasi-systematic review of the available historical scientific evidence on the medical treatment described for the care of pregnant women with fetal growth restriction. RESULTS: Among the medical treatments described to treat fetal growth restriction, nitric oxide donors, statins, and aspirin associated with omega-3 have had inconsistent outcomes in studies with limited sample size. As for 5-phosphodiesterase inhibitors, sildenafil has not been associated with an increase in fetal growth velocity, but there have been alarms regarding its safety due to the increase in cases of fetal pulmonary hypertension and perinatal mortality. On the other hand, tadalafil has shown favorable initial outcomes and studies with a larger sample size are awaited to issue clear recommendations regarding its indication. The results of ongoing clinical studies are also awaited to define the indication of low molecular weight heparin in this setting, given its promising initial results. More invasive procedures, such as vascular endothelial growth factor injection and plasmapheresis, remain under study as therapeutic proposals due to the results of preclinical and clinical studies with few patients. CONCLUSION: For now, no proposed pharmacological strategy has managed to generate strong recommendations for its indication; however, new studies with high methodological quality are expected to generate scientific evidence strong enough to recommend its indication.

Tadalafil and Sildenafil illicit association: Stability- indicating HPLC method, photodegradation kinetic and toxicological studies

Abstract The illicit market of counterfeit medicines containing sildenafil and tadalafil has been causing serious public health problems. Thus, further studies on this illicit association are needed. A stability-indicating HPLC method was developed for simultaneous determination of tadalafil (TAD) and sildenafil (SIL) using a C18 column (250 x 4.6 mm, 5 µm). Detection was achieved at 284 nm, for TAD, and 292 nm, for SIL. The method was considered to be specific, linear, precise, accurate, robust, and sensitive. In the photodegradation kinetic studies, the drugs showed a first-order reaction rate when isolated, and zero-order when associated. Toxicological assays demonstrated that the photodegraded drugs decreased cell viability in compared to non- degraded drugs, suggesting cytotoxic activity. Additional, mutagenic activity was not observed under the tested conditions. Photodegraded drugs, in association, depicted DNA damage index, suggesting genotoxic effects. The obtained results will be able to support the forensic intelligence laboratories, as well as to alert the population about the risk inherent to consuming counterfeit products.

The clinical observation on mechanical ventilation combined with different doses of sildenafil in the treatment of persistent pulmonary hypertension of newborn / 中国医师进修杂志

Objective:To observe the efficacy and safety of mechanical ventilation combined with different doses of sildenafil in the treatment of persistent pulmonary hypertension of newborn (PPHN).Methods:A total of 160 children with PPHN admitted to Dezhou Maternal and Child Health Hospital from January 2018 to December 2019 were selected and divided into group A, B, C and D by random stratification, with 40 cases in each group. All the children in the group were actively corrected for acidosis, provided with intravenous nutrition support, warmth, anti-infection and other measures, and adopted ventilator to assist mechanical ventilation. Group A, B, and C were given different doses of sildenafil 0.5, 1.0, and 2.0 mg/(kg·time) respectively, while group D was not given sildenafil treatment, but only mechanical ventilation. Blood gas analysis indexes including partial arterial oxygenpressure (PaO 2), partial arterial carbon dioxide pressure (PaCO 2), saturationoxygen (SaO 2), and pulmonary artery pressure (SPAP), systemic blood pressure (SBP) of children were tested before the treatment and 72 h after the treatment. The treatment time, hospitalization time, hospitalization expenses and the incidence of adverse reactions of mechanical ventilation in 4 groups were recorded and compared. Results:The effective rate in the group A, B and C was higher than that in the group D: 80.0%(32/40), 85.0%(34/40), 87.5%(35/40) vs. 57.5%(23/40), the difference was statistically significant ( P<0.05). Before treatment, the levels of blood gas analysis indexes in 4 groups had no significant differences ( P>0.05). After treatment, the level of PaO 2 in the group A, B and C was significantly higher than that in the group D ( P<0.05), the level of PaCO 2 in the group B and C was significantly lower than that in group D ( P<0.05), and the level of SaO 2 in the group B and C was significantly higher than that in the group D ( P<0.05). After treatment, the level of SPAP in group B and C was significantly lower than that in the group D: (28.56 ± 3.93), (27.14 ± 3.32) mmHg(1 mmHg = 0.133 kPa) vs. (33.57 ± 4.68) mmHg, P<0.05, and the level of SBP in 4 groups had no significant difference ( P>0.05). The hospitalization time and mechanical ventilation time in group A, B and C were significantly shorter than those in group D ( P<0.05). No drug-related adverse reactions, pulmonary hemorrhage, hypotension, arrhythmia, pneumothorax and other complications occurred during the treatment in the 4 groups. Conclusions:Mechanical ventilation combined with sildenafil can significantly reduce pulmonary artery pressure and improve pulmonary oxygenation in children with PPHN. In the range of 0.5 - 1.0 mg/kg, the efficacy is more obvious when increasing the dose of sildenafil.

Tratamiento con sildenafilo en disfunción ventricular izquierda e hipertensión pulmonar asociada / Treatment with sildenafil in left ventricular dysfunction and associated pulmonary hypertension

RESUMEN Introducción: la hipertensión pulmonar es un hallazgo frecuente en la insuficiencia cardíaca. El uso del sildenafilo en estos casos es una práctica habitual, pero aún controversial por lo limitado de los estudios realizados. Objetivo: comparar las variables ecocardiográficas de hemodinamia pulmonar, en pacientes con disfunción sistólica ventricular izquierda e hipertensión pulmonar secundaria severa, antes y después del uso del sildenafilo. Materiales y métodos: se realizó un estudio de cohorte, donde se incluyeron 19 pacientes; se realizó un seguimiento de dos años. Se analizaron variables clínicas, de laboratorio y ecocardiográficas. Se evaluaron las principales variables de hemodinamia pulmonar antes del uso del sildenafilo y a las doce semanas de su indicación. Se realizó una curva de supervivencia al concluir el seguimiento. El nivel de significación estadístico empleado fue de p < 0,05. Resultados: la edad promedio fue de 56,16 ± 15,77 años y predominó el sexo masculino, con un 73,7 %. La supervivencia al término del seguimiento fue de 78,9 %. Las principales variables ecocardiográficas de hemodinamia pulmonar mostraron una reducción significativa a las doce semanas del tratamiento con sildenafilo. La supervivencia de los pacientes con una reducción del 25 % de las presiones pulmonares en el ecocardiograma realizado a las doce semanas del tratamiento, fue mayor al terminar el estudio (100 % vs 33 %, log-rank test p = 0,001). Conclusiones: posterior al uso del sildenafilo se encontró una reducción significativa de las variables de hemodinamia pulmonar en el ecocardiograma evolutivo. La sobrevida fue mayor en los pacientes que presentaron dicha reducción (AU).

ABSTRACT Introduction: pulmonary hypertension is a common finding in heart failure. The use of sildenafil in these cases is a common practice, but still controversial due to the limited number of studies carried out. Objective: to compare echocardiographic variables of pulmonary hemodynamics, in patients with left ventricular systolic dysfunction and severe secondary pulmonary hypertension, before and after the use of sildenafil. Materials and methods: a cohort study was led, including 19 patients; a two-year follow-up was carried out. Clinical, laboratory and echocardiographic variables were analyzed. The main pulmonary hemodynamics variables were evaluated before the use of sildenafil and 12 weeks after its indication. A survival curve was performed at the end of the follow-up. The statistical significance level used was p < 0.05. Results: the average age was 56.16 ± 15.77 years, and male sex predominated with 73.3 %. Survival at the end of the follow up was 78.9 %. The main echocardiographic variables of pulmonary hemodinamics showed a significant reduction at 12 weeks of treatment with sildenafil. The survival of patients with a 25 % reduction in pulmonary pressures in the echocardiogram performed at 12 weeks of treatment was greater at the end of the study (100 % vs 33 %, log-rank test p = 0.001). Conclusions: after using sildenafil, a significant reduction of pulmonary hemodynamics variables was found in the evolutionary echocardiogram. Survival was higher in patients who had this reduction (AU).

Effect of creatine and sildenafil citrate on the physical performance of mice / Efecto de la creatina y del citrato de sildenafil sobre el desempeño físico de ratones / Efeito da creatina e do citrato de sildenafila sobre o desempenho físico de camundongos

ABSTRACT Introduction: The use of substances to enhance sports performance among professional and amateur athletes is increasing. Such substances may either be included in the group of dietary supplements or fall into pharmacological classes. Every substance used for this purpose is called an ergogenic agent. The number of ergogenic options available increases every day, favoring overuse and use without proper guidance. Among the dietary supplements, we highlight the use of creatine, a substance widespread in sports. Among the pharmacological groups, many drugs are used. Recently the use of sildenafil citrate by professional athletes from various predominantly aerobic sports modalities was reported in the media. Objective: To compare and demonstrate the responses caused by physical training associated with the use of creatine and sildenafil citrate in mice. Methods: A swim training protocol was applied and then an electrophysiograph was used in order to obtain parameters related to contraction intensity, the area under the curve and the percentage drop. Results: The responses obtained demonstrated the ergogenic action of creatine because it altered the parameters used for measurement. The use of sildenafil citrate did not yield satisfactory results to frame the drug as an ergogenic agent. Conclusion: Creatine has an ergogenic effect, reducing the percentage drop after 10 seconds, while sildenafil demonstrated no ergogenic potential and, interestingly, resulted in weaker responses when compared to the exercise groups. Evidence level II; Comparative prospective study .

RESUMEN Introducción: El uso de sustancias con el objetivo de aumentar el rendimiento deportivo entre atletas profesionales y amateurs es creciente. Tales sustancias pueden formar parte del grupo de suplementos alimentarios o integrar clases farmacológicas. Toda sustancia empleada para ese fin es denominada agente ergogénico. El número de opciones entre los agentes ergogénicos aumenta cada día, favoreciendo así su uso excesivo y sin la debida orientación. Entre los suplementos alimentarios, se destaca el uso de creatina, sustancia muy difundida en el medio deportivo. Ya entre los grupos farmacológicos, muchas sustancias son usadas. Recientemente, fue divulgado entre los medios de comunicación el uso de citrato de sildenafil por atletas profesionales, de varias modalidades deportivas, predominantemente las aeróbicas. Objetivos: Comparar y demostrar las respuestas ocasionadas por el entrenamiento físico, asociadas al uso de creatina y citrato de sildenafil en ratones. Métodos: Se aplicó un protocolo de entrenamiento de natación y, a continuación, se usó un electrofisiógrafo con el objetivo de obtener parámetros referentes a la intensidad de contracción, al área bajo la curva y a la caída porcentual. Resultados: Las respuestas obtenidas demuestran acción ergogénica de la creatina, visto que alteraron los parámetros empleados para la medición. Ya el uso de citrato de sildenafil no presentó resultados satisfactorios para encuadrar al fármaco como agente ergogénico. Conclusión: La creatina presenta efecto ergogénico porque reduce la caída porcentual después de 10 segundos, mientras que el sildenafil no presentó potencial ergogénico y, curiosamente, demostró respuestas inferiores cuando comparado a los grupos de ejercicio. Nivel de evidencia II; Estudio prospectivo comparativo .

RESUMO Introdução: O uso de substâncias com o objetivo de aumentar o rendimento esportivo entre atletas profissionais e amadores é crescente. Tais substâncias podem fazer parte do grupo de suplementos alimentares ou integrar classes farmacológicas. Toda substância empregada para esse fim é denominada de agente ergogênico. O número de opções entre os agentes ergogênicos aumenta a cada dia, favorecendo assim o uso em demasia e sem a devida orientação. Entre os suplementos alimentares, salientamos a utilização de creatina, substância muito difundida no meio esportivo. Já entre os grupos farmacológicos, muitas substâncias são utilizadas. Recentemente, foi divulgado entre os meios de comunicação o uso de citrato de sildenafila por atletas profissionais de várias modalidades esportivas, predominantemente as aeróbicas. Objetivos: Comparar e demonstrar as repostas ocasionadas pelo treinamento físico, associadas ao uso de creatina e citrato de sildenafila em camundongos. Métodos: Aplicou-se um protocolo de treinamento de natação e, a seguir, empregou-se um eletrofisiógrafo com objetivo de obter parâmetros referentes à intensidade de contração, à área sob a curva e à queda percentual. Resultados: As respostas obtidas demonstram ação ergogênica da creatina, visto que alteraram os parâmetros empregados para a mensuração. Já a utilização de citrato de sildenafila não apresentou resultados satisfatórios para enquadrar o fármaco como agente ergogênico. Conclusão: A creatina apresenta efeito ergogênico porque reduz a queda percentual após 10 segundos, já a sildenafila não apresentou potencial ergogênico e, curiosamente, demonstrou respostas inferiores quando comparado aos grupos de exercício. Nível de evidência II; Estudo prospectivo comparativo .

Resultados Clínicos e Hemodinâmicos de Longo Prazo após o Transplante de Coração em Pacientes Pré-Tratados com Sildenafil / Long-Term Clinical and Hemodynamic Outcomes after Heart Transplantation in Patients Pre-Treated with Sildenafil

Resumo Fundamento A resistência vascular pulmonar elevada ainda é um grande problema na seleção de candidatos ao transplante cardíaco. Objetivo Nosso objetivo foi avaliar o efeito da administração de sildenafila pré-transplante cardíaco em pacientes com hipertensão pulmonar fixa. Métodos O estudo retrospectivo, de centro único, incluiu 300 candidatos a transplante cardíaco consecutivos tratados entre 2003 e 2013. Destes, 95 pacientes tinham hipertensão pulmonar fixa e, dentre eles, 30 pacientes foram tratados com sildenafila e acabaram passando pelo transplante, formando o Grupo A. O Grupo B incluiu 205 pacientes sem hipertensão pulmonar que passaram pelo transplante cardíaco. A hemodinâmica pulmonar foi avaliada antes do transplante, 1 semana e 1 ano após o transplante. A taxa de sobrevivência foi comparada entre os grupos. Neste estudo, um P valor < 0,05 foi considerado estatisticamente significativo. Resultados Após o tratamento com sildenafila, mas antes do TxC, a RVP (-39%) e a PAPs (-10%) diminuíram significativamente. A PAPs diminuiu após o TxC em ambos os grupos, mas permaneceu significativamente alta no grupo A em relação ao grupo B (40,3 ± 8,0 mmHg versus 36,5 ± 11,5 mmHg, P=0,022). Um ano após o TxC, a PAPs era 32,4 ± 6,3 mmHg no Grupo A versus 30,5 ± 8,2 mmHg no Grupo B (P=0,274). O índice de sobrevivência após o TxC 30 dias (97% no grupo A versus 96% no grupo B), 6 meses (87% versus 93%) e um ano (80% versus 91%) após o TxC não foi estatisticamente significativo (Log-rank P=0,063). Depois do primeiro ano, o índice de mortalidade era similar entre os dois grupos (sobrevivência condicional após 1 ano, Log-rank p=0,321). Conclusão Nos pacientes com HP pré-tratados com sildenafila, a hemodinâmica pós-operatória inicial e o prognóstico são numericamente piores em pacientes sem HP, mas depois de 1 ano, a mortalidade em médio e longo prazo são semelhantes. (Arq Bras Cardiol. 2021; 116(2):219-226)

Abstract Background Elevated pulmonary vascular resistance remains a major problem for heart transplant (HT) candidate selection. Objective This study sought at assess the effect of pre-HT sildenafil administration in patients with fixed pulmonary hypertension. Methods This retrospective, single-center study included 300 consecutive, HT candidates treated between 2003 and 2013, in which 95 patients had fixed PH, and of these, 30 patients were treated with sildenafil and eventually received a transplant, forming Group A. Group B included 205 patients without PH who underwent HT. Pulmonary hemodynamics were evaluated before HT, as well as 1 week after and 1 year after HT. Survival was compared between the groups. In this study, a p value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results After treatment with sildenafil but before HT, PVR (-39%) and sPAP (-10%) decreased significantly. sPAP decreased after HT in both groups, but it remained significantly higher in group A vs. group B (40.3 ± 8.0 mmHg vs 36.5 ± 11.5 mmHg, p=0.022). One year after HT, sPAP was 32.4 ± 6.3 mmHg in group A vs 30.5 ± 8.2 mmHg in group B (p=0.274). The survival rate after HT at 30 days (97% in group A versus 96% in group B), at 6 months (87% versus 93%) and at one year (80% vs 91%) were not statistically significant (Log-rank p=0.063). After this first year, the attrition rate was similar among both groups (conditional survival after 1 year, Log-rank p=0.321). Conclusion In patients with severe PH pre-treated with sildenafil, early post-operative hemodynamics and prognosis are numerically worse than in patients without PH, but after 1 year, the medium to long-term mortality proved to be similar. (Arq Bras Cardiol. 2021; 116(2):219-226)

Does Propolis improve sperm quality in Paroxetine-Induced Sexual Dysfunction in male Wistar rats?

@#Propolis is a resinous product collected by honey bees for construction of hives. It is locally used as remedy for several ailments including various degrees of sexual dysfunctions. This study investigated the protective property of propolis in improving sperm quality in paroxetine-induced sexually impaired male Wistar rats. Forty-two male rats were divided into 7 groups of 6 rats each. Groups I (normal saline), II (administered paroxetine only for two weeks), III (Sildenafil), IV (low dose propolis), V (moderate dose propolis), VI (high dose propolis), and group VII (propolis+sildenafil). There was significant (p< 0.05) increase in sperm count in group VI, no significant (p>0.05) change in sperm count of group VII, but significant decrease in the other groups compared to control. There was significant (p< 0.05) reduction in sperm motility of rats in groups II, III, and IV, compared to significant (p< 0.05) increase in sperm motility of rats in groups VI and VII, but there was no significant (p>0.05) change in group V. The total sperm abnormality in groups II, III and IV showed significant (p<0.05) increase, while there was significant (p<0.05) reduction in sperm abnormality of groups VI and VII compared to control, and no significant (p>0.05) difference seen in group V. The plasma testosterone levels were significantly (p<0.05) reduced in groups II, III and IV, compared to significant (p< 0.05) increase in plasma testosterone level in groups VI and VII, but no significant (p> 0.05) difference in plasma testosterone in group V. The results indicate that high doses of propolis caused significant increase in plasma testosterone, and there was improvement in sperm count and motility as was obtained by the analysis of seminal fluid (SFA).

Histopathological and Immunohistochemical Study of the Effect of Sildenafil Citrate, Vitamin A, Vitamin C and Vitamin E on Wound Healing in Alloxan-induced Diabetic Rats

ABSTRACT Objective: To examine the impact of sildenafil citrate, vitamin A (Vit A), vitamin C (Vit C) and vitamin E (Vit E) on wound healing in a rat model of diabetes (n = 100). Methods: Diabetes was induced in the rats by intraperitoneal (i.p.) administration of alloxan. After anaesthesia, a standard wound was created on the back of each rat using a 10-mm sterile punch. The rats were randomly divided into 10 groups (n = 10 in each), as follows: normal saline, glibenclamide, insulin, sildenafil, Vit A, Vit C, Vit E, Vit A + sildenafil, Vit C + sildenafil, Vit E + sildenafil daily for 15 days. The rats were sacrificed after being anaesthetized 3, 7 and 15 days later. Wounded skin tissue samples were collected for histopathological and immunohistochemical analyses. Results: On the 7th day, epithelial regeneration was completed in groups 8 and 9. Angiogenesis was insufficient in group 2. In terms of connective tissue proliferation, partially matured connective tissue was observed in group 4. On the 15th day of the study, groups 8, 9 and 10 had mature connective tissue. However, group 1 still had exudate-containing neutrophils. Immunohistochemically, on the 3rd day, the level of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) reactivity was intense in macrophages and neutrophils surrounding the wound edges in groups 4, 8, 9 and 10. The level of iNOS reactivity was moderate in group 6 and less distinct in groups 1, 2, 3, 5 and 7. Conclusion: Sildenafil citrate, together with Vit A and Vit C, is beneficial in wound healing of diabetic rats.

Drug treatment of neonatal persistent pulmonary hypertension / 中国小儿急救医学

Neonatal persistent pulmonary hypertension refers to the continuous increase of pulmonary artery pressure, right heart pressure, right-to-left shunt at foramen ovale and ductus arteriosus level, severe hypoxemia and even respiratory failure after birth.At present, the drug treatments of neonatal persistent pulmonary hypertension include inhaling nitric oxide, sildenafil, milrinone, endothelin receptor antagonists bosentan, prostaglandins and their analogs.This review briefly summarized the progress on the treatment of neonatal persistent pulmonary hypertension.

The safety, efficacy and pharmaceutical quality of male enhancement nutraceuticals bought online: Truth versus claim / 中西医结合学报

OBJECTIVE@#Nutraceutical products are widely used for their claimed therapeutic benefits. However, falsified or adulterated nutraceuticals present a major health threat to consumers. This study investigates the pharmaceutical quality, safety and anti-inflammatory effects of six male enhancement nutraceuticals that claim to be 100% natural.@*METHODS@#Three batches of six male enhancement products were tested to detect the presence and levels of adulterants via high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The pharmaceutical quality of the selected nutraceuticals was tested with near infrared spectroscopy (NIR) and SeDeM. The cytotoxic effects of these products on HepG2 cells were determined through cell proliferation (XTT) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) cytotoxicity assays. Lastly, the in vitro inflammatory effects of these products were investigated using murine J774 macrophages through cytokine release analysis.@*RESULTS@#HPLC analysis detected the presence of sildenafil citrate, a vasodilator, and the active ingredient in Viagra and Revatio, in all batches of the products we analyzed. Amount of sildenafil citrate ranged from 0.45 mg to 51.85 mg among different batches. NIR assessment showed inter- and intra-batch heterogeneity in product composition. Results of the XTT and LDH assays showed significant cytotoxic effects of the analyzed products. XTT analysis revealed that the viability of HepG2 treated with tested products varied from 27.57% to 41.43%. Interestingly, the male enhancement products also showed anti-inflammatory effects.@*CONCLUSION@#Despite their labeling as 100% natural, all products tested in this study contained levels of sildenafil citrate, which was not reported on the packaging. There was a lack of pharmaceutical uniformity among products of the same batch and across different batches. Additionally, the products we tested had cytotoxic effects. These study findings highlight the adulteration, poor quality and hazard of these nutraceuticals. Therefore, strict regulation of these products and standardization of the definition of nutraceuticals are urgently needed. Further, these falsely advertised products should be withdrawn from the market due to potential adverse effects on the health of their consumers.

Uso de sildenafil para la hipertensión pulmonar en neonatos / Use of sildenafil for pulmonary hypertension in neonates

Resumen La hipertensión arterial pulmonar es una enfermedad multifactorial que incrementa la mortalidad en el neonato como consecuencia de falla cardiaca. Los vasodilatadores pulmonares son la piedra angular del tratamiento, de los cuales el sildenafil es el fármaco más empleado. A continuación, se resumen los resultados de una revisión sistemática Cochrane en la que se evaluaron la eficacia y la seguridad del sildenafil para el tratamiento de la hipertensión arterial pulmonar en neonatos.

Abstract Pulmonary arterial hypertension is a multifactorial nosological entity that increases neonatal mortality as a result of heart failure. Pulmonary vasodilators are the cornerstone of treatment, of which sildenafil is the most commonly used drug. Therefore, the results of a recently updated Cochrane systematic review are summarized, in which the efficacy and safety of sildenafil for the treatment of pulmonary hypertension in neonates was evaluated.

Role of endometrial thickness in natural and stimulated cycles in infertility

Background: The endometrium plays an important role in infertility. The growth of endometrium depends on serum oestradiol level and blood flow to the uterus. A thin endometrium is defined as a lining of less than 7 mm which is associated with infertility. The endometrium is best seen on Transvaginal scan (TVS). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the role of endometrial thickness and its outcome in natural and stimulated cycles in infertile women.Methods: This prospective cohort study was conducted from June 2018 to May 2019 in LLRM Medical College Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, India. Total 150 infertile women of age less than 35 years presented with either primary or secondary infertility were enrolled. Each patient was undergoing transvaginal scan (TVS) to measure endometrial thickness follicular monitoring.Results: The endometrial thickness and pregnancy rate was higher in letrozole induced group as compared to clomiphene with estradiol valerate and clomiphene with sildenafil citrate induced group.Conclusions: Letrozole had better effect on endometrial thickness and pregnancy rate as compared to clomiphene citrate with estradiol valerate and clomiphene citrate with sildenafil citrate.

Haemostatic Alterations after Sildenafil and Tramadol Administration in Rats

Haemostatic parameters constitute measurable indices in the haemostatic system used to assess the functionality of the coagulation system of an individual to establish a state of health or disorder. This studyevaluated haemostatic parameter such as platelets count, mean platelet volume (MPV), platelets distribution width (PDW), prothrombin time (PT) and activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) in 22 Male Albino Rats grouped and orally treated daily for three weeks with Sildenafil (4mg/200g.bwt), Tramadol(6mg/200g.bwt) and Sildenafil/Tramadol combination (4+6mg/220g.bwt). Rats were sacrificed by cardiac puncture and 5mls of blood collected for the analysis of the parameters using Sysmexhaematologyanalyser and Agape Diagnostic reagents kits. Results obtained shows a statistically significant increase in platelet count, PT and APTT compared with control across the various groups (p<0.05). A statistically significant decrease was observed in MPV, PDW inSildenafil+tramadol group, significant decrease in platelets distribution width for Tramadol group when compared with control (p<0.05). No significant difference was observed in the mean platelets volume and platelet distribution width in Sildenafil group. A comparison of Sildenafil+tramadol and Sildenafil groups shows no statistically significant difference in all the parameters analysed. There was also no significant difference in the mean platelets count, PDW, PT and APTT when Sildenafil+tramadol and Tramadol groups were compared (p<0.05). However, a statistically significant increase was seen in platelets count when Sildenafil+tramadol and tramadol were compared (p<0.05). Sildenafil and tramadol causes significant increase in platelets count, prolonged PT and APTT following single/combined daily administration in rats. Further research on these parameters, assessment of liver function, and measurement of intrinsic and extrinsic pathway coagulation factors in human taking this medication is recommended

Identification And Quantification Of Phosphodiesterase-5 Inhibitors As Adulterants In Dietary Supplements Marked For Sexual Enhancement In The Lebanese Market

Objective: Ultraviolet Visible spectrophotometric was adopted to identify and quantify any adulteration with PDE-5 inhibitors (Sildenafil and Tadalafil) in selected dietary supplements used for sexual enhancement in the Lebanese market Methods: Nine dietary supplements, randomly collected from Lebanese pharmacies, were screened for Sildenafil and Tadalafil using UV-spectrophotometry for both qualitative and quantitative detection. Results: Tadalafil was detected in one sample at a dose of 59 mg/dosage unit, with the maximal recommended dose being 20 mg. Sildenafil was detected in five samples at doses ranging from 11.7 to 188.2 mg/dosage unit, with the maximal recommended dose being 100 mg. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that regular analysis of supposed dietary supplements is needed for more effective quality control and health promotion. The method described for the extraction, identification and quantification of Tadalafil and Sildenafil would be useful for regulatory detection of adulterations.