Viagra

Viagra Could Stop Malaria

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Since it first came on the market in 1998, Viagra has been found to address more conditions than just erectile dysfunction—it treats hypertension, altitude sickness, and prostate cancer. Now a team of European researchers has found that everyone’s favorite little blue pill can prevent malaria because of the way an enzyme affects red blood cells, according to a study published in PLOS Pathogens.

Malaria is caused by a parasite that lives in blood and is transmitted between people through mosquito bites. The sexual form of the parasite, Plasmodium falciparum, goes through some stages of its development in mosquitoes, but spends one very important stage in human red blood cells found in bone marrow. Once in the blood, these cells give the impression of being healthy because they are squishy, which allowed them to slip by the spleen, which normally looks for abnormal or dead blood cells, which are firmer, and filters them out.

The researchers figured that a good way to engage the spleen’s cleansing power would be to harden the red blood cells. Viagra, which works for its intended purpose by relaxing certain muscles to increase blood flow, allows the infected cells to remain stiff by inhibiting an enzyme that would keep them squishy. In this study, the researchers tested Viagra on the blood in an artificial spleen and found that the spleen easily weeded out the hardened red blood cells. The researchers see their work as the first step towards new types of antimalarials.

Pulmonary Hypertension & Viagra: Researchers Discover Novel Mechanisms of Sildenafil for Disease.

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A group of researchers from the University of Pécs, Hungary, have attempted to understand the mechanism by which pulmonary vascular remodeling initiates right ventricular failure and hypoxia, one of the leading causes behind the mortality rates associated with Pulmonary Hypertension (PH).

viagra and PH

Sildenafil, known more commonly by its brand name Viagra, is an inhibitor of phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE-5), an enzyme found in various tissues and involved in the cardiovascular system, and is frequently used in the treatment of PH, since it can improve exercise capacity, PH symptoms, and haemodynamics. However, the molecular mechanisms behind the protective effect exerted by this drug are not fully understood.

In this study, entitled “Novel Mechanisms of Sildenafil in Pulmonary Hypertension Involving Cytokines/Chemokines, MAP Kinases and Akt”, published in the PLOS ONE journal, the team used a monocrotaline (MCT, a toxic metabolite of plant origin)-induced rat PH model to analyze lung morphology, expression of cytokines, mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) phosphorylation, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase-Akt (PI-3k-Akt) pathway and nuclear factor (NF)-kB activation, to understand the mechanisms by which sildenafil’s exerts its protective effects in PH.

The authors could observe that sildenafil not only protected lung morphology but it also suppressed several cytokines directly related with neutrophil and mononuclear cell recruitment, such as cytokine-induced neutrophil chemoattractant (CINC)-1, CINC-2a/b, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP)-1, interleukin (IL)-1a, lipopolysaccharide induced CXC chemokine (LIX), monokine induced by gamma interferon (MIG), macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)-1a, and MIP-3a.

All of these cytokines induced by MCT treatment are regulated by NF-kB, and as such, through immunoblotting and immunohistochemistry with specific antibodies targeted at this nuclear factor, the authors discovered that MCT treatment caused a massive activation and nuclear translocation of NF-kB, a process significantly decreased upon sildenafil treatment.

Furthermore, sildenafil reduced the amount of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)1/2 and p38 MAPK activation, enhancing the activation of the cytoprotective Akt pathway in these PH mice.

Based on the results of this study, the authors concluded that, in mice, sildenafil is able to overcome the pathologic remodeling processes induced by MCT treatment, thus decreasing the infiltration of inflammatory cells and reducing edema formation.

Altogether, these data can reveal important clues regarding the novel mechanisms responsible for the beneficial effects of Viagra use in PH patients to reduce inflammation and swelling, moving one step closer to the development of improved therapies targeted at this progressive and incurable disease.

Viagra Frisky Might Be Melanoma Risky

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Men who used the erectile-function drug sildenafil (Viagra) had almost twice the risk of melanoma compared with men who never used the drug, a study of 26,000 men showed.

Recent sildenafil use was associated with an 84% greater risk of melanoma. Use of the drug had no association with the risk of nonmelanoma skin cancers, according to Jiali Han, PhD, of the Indiana University School of Public Health in Indianapolis, and co-authors. Moreover, erectile function per se did not correlate with melanoma risk, they reported in JAMA Internal Medicine.

“Our study cannot prove cause and effect,” the authors concluded. “A longer follow-up and more detailed assessment of the dose and frequency of sildenafil use at multiple times in the [study cohort] would be necessary for future studies.”

“Nevertheless, our data provide epidemiological evidence on possible skin adverse effects of PDE5A inhibitors [the sildenafil drug class] and support continued investigation of this relationship,” they added.

Though just an association — not proof of causality — the link between sildenafil and melanoma does have a potential molecular basis, said Ryan Sullivan, MD, of Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston.

“Sildenafil may promote tumor growth, at least in tumor cells,” Sullivan told MedPage Today. “There’s plausibility, but this not causation as of yet. There’s still a lot of work that needs to be done before we can definitively say that drugs for erectile dysfunction cause melanoma.”

If the association proves to be a real relationship, then the effect on melanoma risk probably applies to all drugs in the PDE5-inhibitor class, he added.

The underlying biologic mechanisms of melanoma involve multiple molecular entities within a complex signaling pathway. Mutations in BRAF occur in about half of all melanomas. Drugs that target BRAF have demonstrated efficacy in the treatment of melanoma.

Recently, the enzyme phosphodiesterase 5A (PDE5A) was reported to be a downstream target of BRAF, the authors noted. Activated BRAF downregulates PDE5A to facilitate invasion and metastasis of melanoma cells. Additionally, other molecules in the melanoma-associated signaling pathway, notably NRAS, have been shown to downregulate PDE5A in melanoma cell lines.

“This indicates that PDE5A suppression by sildenafil use mimics an effect of BRAF/NRAS activation and thus may potentially function as one of the ‘hits’ for melanomagenesis,” according to the authors’ background information.

Two PDE5 inhibitors have been shown to promote melanin synthesis, which may stimulate melanoma development, they continued. The body of evidence led Han and colleagues to hypothesize the existence of an association between sildenafil use and melanoma.

To test the hypothesis, investigators analyzed data from the Health Professionals Follow-up Study (HPFS), which began in 1986 and has a total enrollment of 51,529 male health professionals ages 40 to 75. Each participant completed a health survey at baseline and then every 2 years.

In the 2000 follow-up survey, HPFS participants were asked whether they had undergone surgery or received other treatment for erectile dysfunction within the previous 3 months. With respect to sildenafil use, respondents were not asked to provide specific information about drug dosage or frequency of use.

The 2000 survey also included items related to erectile function before 1986, and from 1986 to 1986, 1990 to 1994, and 1995 to 2000, as well as during the past 3 months. Men who reported poor or very poor erectile function at or before 2000 were considered to have erectile dysfunction in 2000.

The HPFS questionnaires also included items related to risk factors for melanoma, such as hair color and skin type, number of lifetime sunburns, moles on the arms, state of residence at birth and at 15 and 30, and tendency to sunburn during adolescence.

Family history of melanoma was included in the 1990 and 1992 surveys. In 2008, the survey included items related to midday sun exposure at ages from high school to 60. Every biennial survey collected information about smoking, body mass index, and physical activity.

Men who completed the 2000 HPFS questionnaire provided the study population. Investigators excluded participants who had diagnoses of squamous-cell skin cancer, basal-cell skin cancer, or melanoma prior to 2000. Follow-up continued to the last completed questionnaire or the 2010 questionnaire, whichever came first.

The analysis included 25,848 men who had a mean baseline age of 64.8. The authors found that 5.3% of the men reported recent use of sildenafil, and 6.3% reported any use.

Sildenafil users tended to:

  • Be older and obese
  • Have a history of severe and blistering sunburns
  • Be more likely to undergo physical examinations
  • Be exposed to less sunlight as adults

From 2000 to 2010, 142 melanoma diagnoses were documented, as were 580 cases of squamous-cell skin cancer and 3,030 cases of basal-cell skin cancer.

In a multivariate analysis, men who reported current sildenafil use at baseline had a melanoma hazard ratio of 1.84 versus men who had never used the drug (95% CI 1.04-3.22). Men who reported any use of sildenafil had a similar melanoma risk (HR 1.94, 95% CI 1.14-3.22).

In contrast, sildenafil use did not influence the risk of squamous-cell or basal-cell skin cancer.

The increased risk of melanoma persisted among sildenafil users after exclusion of patients who had major comorbidities at baseline, including in increased risk with recent use (HR 2.24, 95% CI 1.05-4.78) and any use (HR 2.77, 95% I 1.32-5.85).

Viagra Poses Skin Cancer Risk For Men, As Researchers Find Increased Melanoma Threat Among ED Drug Users

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According to a new study published in JAMA Internal Medicine, researchers have identified a link between sildenafil (more commonly known as Viagra) and melanoma, or skin cancer. Not only is there an association between the two, but the authors of the study say the drug may increase a man’s risk for melanoma by up to 84 percent.

Viagra

Sildenafil is used to treat erectile dysfunction, or impotence — an inability to maintain an erection — and boosts blood flow. The authors of the study reviewed 26,000 men who were enrolled in the Health Professionals Follow-Up Study at Harvard School of Public Health, which has been tracking men since 2000 about their sexual health, Viagra use, and sun exposure. They had also been tracking the men’s incidences of melanoma.

The researchers found that the men who were using Viagra had almost twice the risk of developing melanoma, but not for other types of skin cancers. However, they were unable to identify whether it was the drug itself or even erectile dysfunction that caused melanoma; there was only a correlation. Though Viagra has been linked to other minor side effects, like dizziness, headaches, and even heart problems, this is the first time it has been associated with a boost in skin cancer risk. “Although this study is insufficient to alter clinical recommendations,” the authors wrote in their conclusion, “we support a need for continued investigation of this association.”

Ironically, a previous study published a few years ago actually found opposite results: that Viagra could potentially prevent melanoma. Dr. Viktor Umansky of the University Medical Center Mannheim, Germany, found that Viagra appeared to neutralize tumors’ inflammatory immune responses in mice. However, linking mice results to humans is quite a leap, and further research would be needed before making such conclusions — on both ends. Regardless, “people who are on the medication and who have a high risk for developing melanoma may consider touching base with their primary care providers,” Dr. Abrar Qureshi, professor and chair of the dermatology department at Brown University, and a co-author of the newest study, said.

Pfizer has started selling Viagra online.

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http://live.huffingtonpost.com/r/segment/pfizer-begins-selling-viagra-online-to-customers/5187d364fe3444063e0005e1

Sex Drive and Menopause: 50 Shades of Normal.

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Desire may decline with estrogen levels

Sex and menopause may seem like odd bedfellows. Especially if you’re one of the 15 to 70 percent of menopausal or postmenopausal women with sexual dysfunction, such as low desire or painful intercourse.

Why do studies report such varying percentages?

Perhaps because when it comes to sex, there are 50 shades of “normal,” according to Judith M. Volkar, MD, an OB/GYN for Cleveland Clinic’s Center for Specialized Women’s Health. There are no standards on how often you should have — or desire — sex. Sexual dysfunction simply refers to any issue that causes distress or interpersonal difficulty in the bedroom. So if you’re not desiring or having sex and you’re not distressed by it, then you’re not dysfunctional.

But if you are distressed, you’re not alone. And there are plenty of things you can do to make your sex life satisfying during menopause and beyond.

Improve function — even without hormone help

As women go through menopause, their estrogen levels drop. Lower levels of estrogen cause a decrease in blood flow to the vagina, which can make it less sensitive to touch and less receptive to physical arousal. Less estrogen also can mean less vaginal lubrication. All of that can make intercourse less desirable, more difficult or downright uncomfortable.

Fortunately, several things can help women, says Dr. Volkar:

  • Over-the-counter vaginal lubricants can supplement natural lubrication.
  • Vaginal moisturizers are like lubricants, but they stay in the vagina longer and cling to vaginal walls. Use them a couple of times a week (not at the time of intercourse).
  • Vaginal estrogen can help if lubricants and moisturizers are not enough. As a vaginal cream, dissolvable tablet or long-term insert, estrogen can restore vaginal mucosa to the way it was before menopause.
  • An FDA-approved clitoral therapy device works like a gentle vacuum that can increase blood flow to the clitoris. In addition to increasing vaginal lubrication, it can enhance the ability to achieve orgasm.

While some drugs are being tested, currently there is no Viagra®-type drug to treat low libido in women.

Try increasing your receptivity instead of your sex drive

Hormones aren’t the only factor in a woman’s sex life. Emotions play a big role, too. While men can use sex as a stress reliever, women usually prefer to relieve stress before having sex. Tension, fatigue and relationship issues all can affect a woman’s sexual desire.

But here’s an interesting fact: Women don’t necessarily need to desire sex in order to enjoy it. It’s like going to the gym. You may not feel like working out on a particular day. But once you start on the treadmill, you get into it, enjoy it and feel better afterward.

So, instead of trying to increase your sex drive, try increasing your receptivity — your willingness or ability to enjoy sex once you get into it. You might try:

  • Reading erotic books or articles that make you start thinking about sexual things
  • Watching erotic videos
  • Talking to your partner about things that arouse you
  • Scheduling a romance night — and thinking beforehand about what you’ll do

You’re never too old! Talk to your doctor

If these tips don’t help and you are bothered by your sexual function, see a physician. You are never too old. Even if you haven’t had sex in years, a doctor can guide you in restoring enjoyment.

 menopause-women-sexual-dysfunction-2-190x155Source: clevelandclinic.org

Viagra also busts obesity .

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http://m.timesofindia.com/life-style/health-fitness/health/Viagra-also-busts-obesity/articleshow/18073501.cms

Kira Jari: The Fungal Viagra Making Bank in the Himalayas .

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Forget the wonders of modern chemistry. You don’t need to talk to your doctor about Viagra or Cialis. All you need is a traditional fungus used both as an aphrodisiac and a performance-enhancing drug. The best part? You’ll be helping out developing economies that are thriving on a thirst for the fungus, known as kira jari.

The fungus is rare and used for another purpose: A natural pesticide. It works by mummifying caterpillars, then growing the fungus out the top of their heads. Creepy? Sure, but some of us are kind of into that sort of thing.

Over the last five years or so, Himalayan villagers have become wise to the commercial potential of kira jari. They harvest it, then sell it to local merchants. These merchants then feed the growing demand in Asia’s fast-growing urban centers, as well as that of the west. A single fungus sells for about five bucks. That might not sound like a lot, but it’s more than the average daily wage for a manual laborer in the region. Some villagers can scavenge as many as 40 of these per day, making it a new gold rush for the Himalayas.

Getting the fungus isn’t easy. According to a report on the BBC’s website, some climb as high as 5,000 meters to obtain the rare fungus. Much like gold, it is worth a lot but the work required to obtain kira jari isn’t for the meek. In addition to having to brave harsh climates to find kira jari, it’s rarity means that there are no guarantees that a hunter will find anything at all.

To obtain the fungus, men must crawl around on their hands and knees in the snow. Joint pain, trouble breathing and snow blindness are among the health risks associated with finding the fungus.

Unsurprisingly, the competition is fierce. Many men carry guns while searching to protect themselves from bandits on their way down the mountain. Entire villages battle one another for the right to collect kira jari in certain areas.

All in all, the whole thing is shaping up a bit like the Mexican drug trade. Especially considering that while it’s legal to collect the fungus, it is not legal to sell it. In fact, the village of Bemni was scammed a couple years ago when a trickster showed up and offered a good price for a large crop. He disappeared with the fungus, leaving the village with nothing. Police have confiscated crops as well, though it’s hard to imagine that at least some of them aren’t getting rich off the labor of others.

However, many men are abandoning the cities they once left home for and returning to the countryside to make their living finding the ultimate natural Viagra. One intrepid kira jari collector found 200 and was able to build an impressive two-story home with his earnings.

To collect kira jari one must risk health, wealth and even one’s life to obtain it. However, for many men in one of the poorest parts of the world, it’s a viable option that outweighs any risk.

 

Source: http://blogs.laweekly.com