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Viagra may help MD patients, says study

13 May 2008

A new study has found that sildenafil - commonly marketed as Viagra - given to mice with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (MD) helps protect their hearts.

Dr Basil Petrof, one of the lead researchers in the study, said that sildenafil increases the concentration of the cGMP molecule because it prevents it being degraded by the phosphodiesterase five enzyme, Science Daily reports.

"Our work had shown for many years the benefits of cGMP on the heart and the present study confirms the therapeutic potential of this molecule," said Dr Christian Deschepper, also a lead researcher in the trial.

MD, caused by the mutation of the protein dystrophin, often results in muscle degeneration and weakness.

The disease affects about one in 3,600 boys, with the most common forms being Duchenne and Becker.

Whereas MD research in the past focussed on the degeneration of skeletal muscles, it is important to consider the effects on other muscles, including the heart, according to Dr Des Rogiers.

Viagra is made by New York-based Pfizer.

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