Sildenafil reduces aortic endothelial dysfunction and structural damage in spontaneously hypertensive rats: Role of NO, NADPH and COX-1 pathways.

Arterial hypertension is a condition associated with endothelial dysfunction, accompanied by an imbalance in the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and NO. The aim of this study was to investigate and elucidate the possible mechanisms of sildenafil, a selective phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor, actions on endothelial function in aortas from spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). SHR treated with sildenafil (40 mg/kg/day, p.

[Psychological factors influencing smoking persistence in coronary patients].

Purpose: To study the psychological factors influence on the maintenance of smoking in coronary patients.

Methods: Questionnaire was applied in 40 smoking coronary patients, to investigate the tobacco's dependence type and degree, resistance degree, readiness level to abstinence and attitudes/emotions that favors tobacco's use. Male sex was predominant (75%) with age ranging from 25 to 80 (mean 52) years.