A study suggests tadalafil, used for erectile dysfunction, could aid muscle repair, offering hope for neuromuscular diseases and raising doping concerns.
Drug may aid muscle repair
A study published in the journal Molecular Biology Reports suggests that tadalafil, a medication typically used for erectile dysfunction and a type of high blood pressure in the lungs, might help muscles repair themselves. Researchers from the University of Rome "Foro Italico" explored how tadalafil affects muscle tissue, building on its known role in increasing blood flow during sexual activity.
Tadalafil affects muscle cells
In their experiments, the researchers used myoblasts, which are muscle precursor cells responsible for repairing and growing skeletal muscle. They found that various doses of tadalafil increased the number of cells preparing to become muscle cells and reduced cell death. Prolonged treatment with the drug improved cell survival and growth throughout the study.
Findings show muscle benefits
The study showed that tadalafil increased the number of muscle cells and improved their ability to multiply after an induced injury. It also reduced cell death at all stages of the research. These results suggest the drug may help muscles regenerate by encouraging cell division and keeping cells alive.
Potential uses and risks
The researchers believe tadalafil could help people with neuromuscular diseases or those who are bedridden, as these conditions often cause muscle loss. However, they also warn that the drug might be misused by athletes for performance enhancement, which could be a concern for anti-doping organizations. Some athletes already use tadalafil to improve circulation and muscle function.
