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World J Diabetes. Aug 15, 2013; 4(4): 124-129
Published online Aug 15, 2013. doi: 10.4239/wjd.v4.i4.124
Published online Aug 15, 2013. doi: 10.4239/wjd.v4.i4.124
Diabetic nephropathy: Treatment with phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors
Cecil Stanley Thompson, Department of Surgery, Division of Surgery and Interventional Science, University College London Medical School, London, NW3 2QG, United Kingdom
Author contributions: Thompson CS solely contributed to this review.
Correspondence to: Cecil Stanley Thompson, PhD, Department of Surgery, Division of Surgery and Interventional Science, University College London Medical School, Royal Free Campus, Pond Street, London NW3 2QG, United Kingdom. cecil.thompson@nhs.net
Telephone: +44-207-7940500 Fax: +44-207-8302235
Received: April 11, 2013
Revised: June 3, 2013
Accepted: June 19, 2013
Published online: August 15, 2013
Processing time: 125 Days and 17.7 Hours
Revised: June 3, 2013
Accepted: June 19, 2013
Published online: August 15, 2013
Processing time: 125 Days and 17.7 Hours
Core Tip
Core tip: Diabetic nephropathy a leading cause of end-stage renal disease, is characterized by dysfunctional metabolic, haemodynamic and inflammatory pathways leading to glomerular hypertension. These pathways were normalized following treatment with phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors, which initiated renal vascular smooth muscle relaxation. This therapeutic option for treating diabetic nephropathy may negate the need for costly renal dialysis or transplantation.