Stimulators and activators of soluble guanylate cyclase for urogenital disorders

The nitric oxide (NO)–soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC)–cyclic GMP (cGMP) signalling pathway is present in the smooth muscle of the lower urinary tract (bladder and urethra), prostate, and corpus cavernosumImpairment of NO–sGC–cGMP signalling in bladder, urethra, prostate, and corpus cavernosum smooth muscles can result in urogenital diseases such as overactive bladder, prostate hypercontractility, and erectile dysfunctionStimulators (BAY 41–2272, BAY 41–8543, and BAY 60–4552) and activators (BAY 58–2667 and BAY 60–2770) of sGC can enhance cGMP levels by directly acting on sGC independently of NOBoth sGC stimulators and activators have a potent relaxation effect on bladder, ureter, urethra, prostate, and corpus cavernosum smooth muscle in nonpathological and pathological conditionssGC activators are highly effective at restoring sGC expression and activity in disorders associated with increased oxidative stress involving urogenital smooth muscle. sGC activators are more efficacious than sGC stimulatorssGC stimulators and activators are promising molecules that enable urogenital smooth muscle relaxation in pathological conditions. However, clinical studies are required to corroborate the efficacy of these drugs