Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors

Phosphodiesterases (PDEs) are enzymes involved in the homeostasis of both cAMP and cGMP. To date, 11 PDE gene families have been identified, based on their amino acid sequences, biochemical properties, and inhibitor profiles. It subdivided into 3 groups: cAMP-specific enzymes (PDE4, PDE7, and PDE8), cGMP-specific enzymes (PDE5, PDE6, and PDE9) and dual-specific enzymes (PDE1, PDE2, PDE3, PDE10, and PDE11). Phosphodiesterase inhibitors (PDE inhibitors) are a class of agents acting on specific PDEs in target cells and are FDA approved for the management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, erectile dysfunction, pulmonary arterial hypertension, psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, and atopic dermatitis. Some PDE inhibitors are selective, meaning they target a specific type of PDE. Other PDE inhibitors are nonselective, meaning they can interfere with all PDEs to some extent.