Exposure to Phosphodiesterase Type 5 Inhibitors Stimulates Aromatase Expression in Human Adipocytes in vitro

Our results demonstrate that PDE5 is expressed in human visceral adipocytes and that acute exposure to PDE5i selectively stimulates ARO expression, which is related to a specific PDE5 blockade. We speculate that modulation of ARO activity by PDE5i could be one of the mechanisms responsible, at least in part, for the beneficial effects of PDE5i on endothelial and metabolic functions. Aversa A, Caprio M, Antelmi A, Armani A, Brama M, Greco EA, Francomano D, Calanchini M, Spera G, Luigi LD, Rosano GMC, Lenzi A, Migliaccio S, and Fabbri A. Exposure to phosphodiesterase type‐5 inhibitors stimulates aromatase expression in human adipocytes in vitro. J Sex Med 2011;8:696-704.