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PDE5 Inhibition Ameliorates Visceral Adiposity Targeting the miR-22/SIRT1 Pathway: Evidence From the CECSID Trial

Fiore D, Gianfrilli D, Giannetta E, Galea N, Panio G, di Dato C, Pofi R, Pozza C et al.

The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism, 2016

59 participants · 53 citations

Abstract

CONTEXT: Visceral adiposity plays a significant role in cardiovascular risk. PDE5 inhibitors (PDE5i) can improve cardiac function and insulin sensitivity in type 2 diabetes patients.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether PDE5i affect visceral adipose tissue (VAT), specifically epicardial fat (epicardial adipose tissue [EAT]), and what mechanism is involved, using microarray-based profiling of pharmacologically modulated microRNA (miRNAs).

DESIGN: Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study in type 2 diabetes.

PATIENTS AND INTERVENTION: A total of 59 diabetic patients were randomized to receive 100-mg/d sildenafil or placebo for 12 weeks. Fat biopsies were collected in a subgroup of patients. In a parallel protocol, db/db mice were randomized to 12 weeks of sildenafil or vehicle, and VAT was collected.

MAIN OUTCOME AND MEASURES: Anthropometric and metabolic parameters, EAT quantification through cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, array of 2005 circulating miRNAs, quantitative PCR, and flow cytometry of VAT.

RESULTS: Compared with placebo, sildenafil reduced waist circumference (P = .024) and EAT (P = .045). Microarray analysis identified some miRNAs differentially regulated by sildenafil, including down-regulation of miR-22-3p, confirmed by real-time quantitative PCR (P < .001). Sildenafil's modulation of miR-22-3p expression was confirmed in vitro in HL1 cardiomyocytes. Up-regulation of SIRT1, a known target of miR-22-3p, was found in both serum and sc fat in…

How strong is the evidence?

Evidence Hub reads this as a randomized trial, done in people. Its evidence level is 2 of 5 (High · randomized trial). Randomized trials of a reasonable size are the strongest single-study design. Reported size: 59 participants or records.

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