Abstract
This study investigated the various effects of Sildenafil citrate on the liver, kidney and heart of male albino rats. Twenty eight male rats randomly divided into 4 groups and weighing 131-214g were used. While the animals in group 1 (control) received food and water only, those in the study groups 2,3&4 respectively received 25mg/kg, 50mg/kg and 100mg/kg of Sildenafil citrate orally, daily for 4 weeks. All animals were sacrificed and blood samples collected by cardiac puncture for analysis of biochemical parameters. The rats Liver, kidneys and hearts were subjected to histopathological tests. Study results showed no changes in food consumption, fluid intake, body weight and relative organ weight of the animals. The animals in group 4 showed significant increase in mean Lactate dehydrogenase and Aspartate aminotransferase ⃰(P<0.05) compared to control. Mean levels of creatinine was significantly higher among group 4 animals ⃰(p<0.05) but not significantly high among the animals in other groups. Mean Na+ and Cl- level were significantly high among the animals in group 4 ⃰(p<0.05). Although no histopathological changes were observed in the heart of the rats in groups 2,3 and 4, there were significant increase in serum levels of Na+, K and Cl- of animals in group 4 which could have affected their heart owing to fatigue. Sildenafil citrate (100mg/kg) caused distortion in cyto-architecture of the liver and mild distortion of cortical structures in the kidneys of albino rats. Sildenafil citrate has potential toxic effects on the liver, kidney and heart of studied rats with higher doses. Conclusion: Sildenafil citrate has potential toxic effects on the liver, kidney and heart of male albino rats especially with higher doses.
Highlights
Erectile Dysfunction (ED) is clinically defined as the inability to achieve and or maintain a penile erection sufficient for sexual intercourse
This study investigated the various effects of Sildenafil citrate on the liver, kidney and heart of male albino rats
Analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed no significant differences in food consumption among the study groups Table 1
Summary
Erectile Dysfunction (ED) is clinically defined as the inability to achieve and or maintain a penile erection sufficient for sexual intercourse. The problem may be seen in 1 in 5 men but may be larger with increasing ages. In patients without trauma or surgery, a duration of 3-months of this symptom is usually accepted as the basis for making a diagnosis of ED [1,2,3]. Another school of thought defined erectile dysfunction as the persistent inability to achieve or maintain penile erection sufficient for a desired satisfactory sexual activity [4]. Erectile Dysfunction is the most common disorder of sexual function in men after premature ejaculation. It is said to affect nearly 30 million individuals in the United States of America [5]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
