Most of us are familiar with the use of stents to keep arteries from narrowing more than they already are. Sometimes, however, the use of bare metal stents can exacerbate the narrowing when tissue grows around the stent; they can also cause blood clots that increase a patient’s chance for future heart attacks. Fortunately, scientists have discovered that a drug popularly used for erectile dysfunction has the ability to reduce the potential side problems associated with stents.
Drug-Eluting Stents
Some stents, known as drug-eluting stents, are covered in a chemical layer of drugs in order to prevent the blood vessels from closing; however, not all drugs have proven equal in offering protection. Sildenafil, also known as Viagra, has been shown to provide stent-users with protection from blood clots and other serious problems associated with the use of stents. Sildenafil is typically used to help men who have erectile dysfunction but is also prescribed under the name of Revatio to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension. The drug increases blood flow and simulataneously relaxes the arteries, allowing blood to flow freely throughout the cardio-pulmonary system.
The Study
The lead scientist of the study, Dr. Han-Mo Yang of Seoul National University Hospital in South Korea, presented his results at the Basic Cardiovascular Sciences 2017 Scientific Sessions in Portland, Oregon. The research results indicated that Sildenafil works to increase activity of the enzyme PKG (protein kinase G), which keeps the walls of arteries from thickening after injury or surgery. It was shown to reduce platelets from clumping by 30%. Used as a coating on the stent, sildenafil will keep the walls of the arteries from re-narrowing and reduce the tendency of clotting close to the stent.
While Yang’s study only involved animals, clinical trials are not far away and could result in immediate clinical use if approved since sildenafil is already being used in other settings.