Sunday, May 11, 2025
5/11/2025
Proof-of-Concept and Mechanistic Studies to Repurpose Erectile Dysfunction Drugs for Elderly Females - The record of safety and efficacy of the four FDA–approved drugs for erectile dysfunction, namely tadalafil, vardenafil, sildenafil and avanafil, is predicated on their ability to potently inhibit the cellular enzyme, phosphodiesterase 5A (PDE5A). PDE5A hydrolyzes cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), so that PDE5A inhibitors stimulate the nitric oxide–cGMP–protein kinase G (PKG) pathway. In 1991, we documented for the first time that nitric oxide regulates the osteoclast, the cell that resorbs bone (PMID: 1849281). Multiple studies have since established robust effects of modulating this pathway on both components of bone remodeling – bone resorption by osteoclasts and bone formation by osteoblasts. Prompted by observations that erectile dysfunction and osteoporosis track together in older men, in men with diabetes, and in men receiving androgen–deprivation therapy for prostate cancer, we sought to investigate the action of tadalafil and vardenafil on bone. The overarching hypothesis was that PDE5A inhibitors could be repurposed for the co–therapy of erectile dysfunction and osteoporosis in men and, even perhaps, solely for osteoporosis in women. We found in mouse studies that tadalafil and vardenafil increased bone mass, importantly in female mice, by stimulating bone formation and inhibiting bone resorption (Kim et al, PNAS, In press). Despite net bone gain, the anabolic action of the drugs was antagonized by a unique sympathetic relay signature originating from central PDE5A–positive neurons in the locus coeruleus, raphe pallidus and hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus. Noting that most osteoporosis drugs are either anti–resorptive or anabolic, any dual–acting agent will have unique value particularly with oral use. Therefore, towards the potential for repurposing PDE5A inhibitors for osteoporosis, our current goal is to understand precisely how the drugs work on bone and to evaluate preclinical efficacy in models of bone loss. In Specific Aim 1, using global and cell–selective knock out mice, we will determine whether the drugs inhibit PDE5A to activate the NO–cGMP–PKG2 pathway in bone, and if so, which cell is the primary target. In Specific Aim 2, we will comprehensively map the distribution of PDE5A in brain at the single transcript level by RNAscope, and interrogate PDE5A–positive nodes through AAV–mediated Pde5a overexpression or knock down. In Specific Aim 3, we will study the ability of tadalafil, vardenafil, sildenafil and/or avanafil to trigger bone gain in 1–year–old aging mice; to prevent hypogonadal bone loss in rats and mice; and to restore bone that is already lost 28 weeks following ovariectomy in rats. Together, our mechanistic and efficacy studies should provide a firm foundation for future clinical trials towards repurposing PDE5A inhibitors for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis.
HHS’ Tracking Accountability in Government Grants System (TAGGS) website provides access to detailed descriptions of grants, loans, aggregated direct payments and other types of financial assistance awarded by the HHS Operating Divisions (OPDIVs) and the Office of the Secretary Staff Divisions (STAFFDIVs).