Clinical Implication of Phosphodiesterase‐4‐Inhibition

Abstract

The pleiotropic function of 3′,5′‐cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP)‐dependent pathways in health and disease led to the development of pharmacological phosphodiesterase in-hibitors (PDE‐I) to attenuate cAMP degradation. While there are many isotypes of PDE, a predominant role of PDE4 is to regulate fundamental functions, including endothelial and epithelial barrier stability, modulation of inflammatory responses and cognitive and/or mood functions. This makes the use of PDE4‐I an interesting tool for various therapeutic approaches. However, due to the presence of PDE4 in many tissues, there is a significant danger for serious side effects. Based on this, the aim of this review is to provide a comprehensive overview of the approaches and effects of PDE4‐I for different therapeutic applications. In summary, despite many obstacles to use of PDE4‐I for different therapeutic approaches, the current data warrant future research to utilize the therapeutic potential of phosphodiesterase 4 inhibition.