Open Access

Anti‑infection mechanism of phosphodiesterase‑5 inhibitors and their roles in coronavirus disease 2019 (Review)

  • Authors:
    • Hao Su
    • Chengquan Ma
    • Hongjun Li
  • View Affiliations

  • Published online on: February 3, 2021     https://doi.org/10.3892/etm.2021.9751
  • Article Number: 320
  • Copyright: © Su et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of Creative Commons Attribution License [CC BY_NC 4.0].

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Abstract

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‑19) has a variety of impacts on the human body. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 is the pathogen that causes COVID‑19. It invades human tissues through the receptor angiotensin‑converting enzyme 2, resulting in an imbalance in the angiotensin II (AngII) level and upregulation of renin‑angiotensin system/AngII pathway activity. Furthermore, the binding of AngII to its receptor leads to vasoconstriction, endothelial injury and intravascular thrombosis. In addition, COVID‑19 may have adverse effects on male reproductive organs and a marked impact on male reproductive health. Phosphodiesterase‑5 inhibitors (PDE5Is) may improve vascular endothelial function, promote testicular and systemic blood circulation and testosterone secretion and enhance epididymal function, as well as sperm maturation and capacitation. PDE5Is may also be of use in the treatment of infectious diseases by enhancing immunity and anti‑inflammatory responses and improving vascular endothelial function. Based on the pharmacological mechanism of PDE5Is, they are of unique value in the fight against infectious diseases and may be effective in combination with direct antiviral drugs. The anti‑infection mechanisms of PDE5Is and their roles in COVID‑19 were reviewed in the present study.
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April-2021
Volume 21 Issue 4

Print ISSN: 1792-0981
Online ISSN:1792-1015

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Spandidos Publications style
Su H, Ma C and Li H: Anti‑infection mechanism of phosphodiesterase‑5 inhibitors and their roles in coronavirus disease 2019 (Review). Exp Ther Med 21: 320, 2021
APA
Su, H., Ma, C., & Li, H. (2021). Anti‑infection mechanism of phosphodiesterase‑5 inhibitors and their roles in coronavirus disease 2019 (Review). Experimental and Therapeutic Medicine, 21, 320. https://doi.org/10.3892/etm.2021.9751
MLA
Su, H., Ma, C., Li, H."Anti‑infection mechanism of phosphodiesterase‑5 inhibitors and their roles in coronavirus disease 2019 (Review)". Experimental and Therapeutic Medicine 21.4 (2021): 320.
Chicago
Su, H., Ma, C., Li, H."Anti‑infection mechanism of phosphodiesterase‑5 inhibitors and their roles in coronavirus disease 2019 (Review)". Experimental and Therapeutic Medicine 21, no. 4 (2021): 320. https://doi.org/10.3892/etm.2021.9751