Daily use of sildenafil improves endothelial function in men with type 2 diabetes

J Androl. 2012 Mar-Apr;33(2):176-80. doi: 10.2164/jandrol.111.013367. Epub 2011 Jun 16.

Abstract

Diminished vascular endothelial function results in decreased vasodilator capacity and is associated with erectile dysfunction (ED) in patients afflicted with type 2 diabetes. The current study was designed to evaluate whether daily use of sildenafil could alter endothelial function and improve penile rigidity in a group of patients with diabetic ED. A double-blind, placebo-controlled, prospective trial was conducted with 24 men with type 2 diabetes who were randomized into 2 groups: one receiving daily sildenafil (50 mg, n = 12) and the other placebo (n = 12) for 10 weeks. Erectile function was captured subjectively using the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5), and endothelial function was objectively monitored via brachial artery flow-mediated dilation. Among the placebo and sildenafil groups, there were no significant differences in average patient age, time from type 2 diabetes diagnosis, duration of ED, or baseline IIEF-5 scores. Past medical histories, including smoking, alcohol consumption, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia, were also similar. At the conclusion of the 10-week trial, patients who received daily sildenafil had significantly improved erectile rigidity as captured by IIEF-5 (P < .001) and increased endothelial function via brachial artery flow-mediated dilation (P < .01). Endothelial function in men with type 2 diabetes was enhanced with daily sildenafil. Improved erectile rigidity and enhanced vascular circulation was noted after 10 weeks of daily sildenafil use.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Brachial Artery / drug effects*
  • Brachial Artery / physiopathology
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / complications*
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / physiopathology
  • Diabetic Angiopathies / drug therapy*
  • Diabetic Angiopathies / etiology
  • Diabetic Angiopathies / physiopathology
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Drug Administration Schedule
  • Endothelium, Vascular / drug effects*
  • Endothelium, Vascular / physiopathology
  • Erectile Dysfunction / drug therapy*
  • Erectile Dysfunction / etiology
  • Erectile Dysfunction / physiopathology
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Ontario
  • Penile Erection / drug effects*
  • Phosphodiesterase 5 Inhibitors / administration & dosage*
  • Piperazines / administration & dosage*
  • Placebos
  • Prospective Studies
  • Purines / administration & dosage
  • Sildenafil Citrate
  • Sulfones / administration & dosage*
  • Time Factors
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Vasodilation / drug effects
  • Vasodilator Agents / administration & dosage*

Substances

  • Phosphodiesterase 5 Inhibitors
  • Piperazines
  • Placebos
  • Purines
  • Sulfones
  • Vasodilator Agents
  • Sildenafil Citrate