News & Views
Sildenafil found to alleviate heart problems
Dec 23 2011
Sildenafil, the active ingredient in Viagra, can alleviate heart problems, it has been revealed in a recent report by Bochum's researchers.
The drug has been found to activate an enzyme that causes the giant protein titin in the myocardial cells to relax, making stiffened cardiac walls more elastic again.
The study, in cooperation with scientists from the Mayo Clinic in Rochester US, examined dogs that suffered from diastolic heart failure, a condition in which the heart chamber does not sufficiently fill with blood.
Prof. Dr. Wolfgang Linke of the RUB Institute of Physiology commented: “We have developed a therapy in an animal model that, for the first time, also raises hopes for the successful treatment of patients.”
It is widely believed that heart failure drugs currently are not sufficient.
Half of patients aged over 60 in hospital because of a weak heart suffer from diastolic heart failure. Although doctors know the cause, the disease cannot be treated properly with today's medicines. If this new treatment proves successful, "we would already have a molecular mechanism on hand to explain the effect", commented Linke.
Digital Edition
International Labmate Buyers' Guide 2024/25
June 2024
Buyers' Guide featuring: Product Listings & Manufacturers Directory Chromatography Articles - Enhancing HPLC Field Service with fast-response, non-invasive flowmeters - Digital transformatio...
View all digital editions
Events
Jul 07 2024 Dublin, Ireland
Jul 20 2024 Denver, CO, USA
Jul 21 2024 Cape Town, South Africa
Jul 28 2024 San Diego, CA USA
Jul 30 2024 Jakarta, Indonesia