Drugs now used to treat erectile dysfunction may protect the liver from damage caused by sepsis, a systemic inflammatory response to infection, say researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine.
In a new study published in the journal Science Signaling, the researchers determined that sildenafil — more commonly known as Viagra — induced the liver to produce greater amounts of a protein called “cyclic GMP” that knocks down the release of chemicals triggered by sepsis that can cause life-threatening inflammation that can damage the liver and kidneys.
The research involved mice and experiments with human liver cells that suggest — findings that collectively suggest Viagra might prove effective in human patients.
"Sepsis is a very challenging problem, so the possibility that we might be able to repurpose a drug that is in use and well understood is very exciting," said lead researcher Timothy Billiar, M.D., professor and chair of surgery at Pitt School of Medicine.
"Our study suggests that increasing the bioavailability of cyclic GMP might be beneficial in ameliorating the inflammation associated with sepsis. Sildenafil and other ED drugs might be a good approach to try early in the course of the illness to forestall organ damage."
The research team plans to verify their findings in a larger study of sepsis, which is a leading cause of death in the intensive care unit.
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