Journal Article Review Epublish 3 citations
PubMed: 38384294 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1357176
Soluble guanylate cyclase stimulators and activators: new horizons in the treatment of priapism associated with sickle cell disease.
Front Pharmacol 15:1357176
Authors: Dalila Andrade Pereira, Tammyris Helena Rebecchi Silveira, Fabiano Beraldi Calmasini, Fábio Henrique Silva
Affiliations
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, São Francisco University Medical School, Bragança Paulista, SP, Brazil.
- Department of Pharmacology, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Escola Paulista de Medicina, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
Abstract
Priapism, defined as a prolonged and often painful penile erection occurring without sexual stimulation or desire, is a common complication in sickle cell disease (SCD), affecting up to 48% of male patients. This condition presents significant clinical challenges and can lead to erectile dysfunction if not properly managed. Current pharmacological treatments for SCD-related priapism are primarily reactive rather than preventative, highlighting a gap in effective medical intervention strategies. A critical factor in developing priapism is the reduced basal bioavailability of nitric oxide (NO) and cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) in erectile tissues. New prevention strategies should ideally target the underlying pathophysiology of the disease. Compounds that stimulate and activate soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) emerge as potential therapeutic candidates since these compounds have the property of inducing cGMP production by sGC. This review explores the potential of sGC stimulators and activators in treating priapism associated with SCD. We discuss the advantages of these agents in the face of the challenging pathophysiology of SCD. Additionally, the review underscores the impact of intravascular hemolysis and oxidative stress on priapism pathophysiology in SCD, areas in which sGC stimulators and activators may also have beneficial therapeutic effects.
MeSH
Cells, Erectile Dysfunction, Anemia, Sickle Cell, Anemia, Guanylate Cyclase, Priapism, Hemolysis, Therapeutics, Soluble Guanylyl Cyclase