Female Sexual Dysfunction: A Problem Hidden in the Shadows.

BACKGROUND: Female sexual dysfunction (FSD) has been largely underdiagnosed and undertreated due to the lack of concrete definitions, validated assessment methods and efficient treatments. However, during the last few decades, there has been great progress in the clinical management and research of FSD. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this review is to describe the pathophysiology of FSD, report the prevalence of the disease in the setting of cardiovascular (CV) risk factors and disease, and review current and under investigation treatment options. METHODS: A comprehensive review was performed to identify studies examining the association of FSD with CV risk factors and/or disease, as well studies reporting relevant management options. RESULTS: The prevalence of FSD is increased in the general population (approximately 40%) and is significantly higher in patients with hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and dyslipidemia. In patients with overt CV disease, FSD is even more prevalent (up to 90%). The cause of FSD is multifactorial and includes a variety of vascular, hormonal, interpersonal and psychological factors, which are all intertwined. Several treatment options exist that are efficient in improving female sexual function, while a cluster of other options has been shown to offer benefits. CONCLUSION: FSD is a major public health problem with great impact on the patients' quality of life. In the setting of increased CV burden, FSD is even more prevalent. Increased awareness is needed for the physician to establish a trustful environment with the patient, discuss such issues, and offer proper management options.

Sodium-glucose Cotransporter 2 Inhibitors: Nephroprotective Impact on Diabetic Kidney Disease.

BACKGROUND: Diabetic nephropathy is a crucial microvascular complication of diabetes mellitus that is associated with elevated cardiovascular risk. SGLT-2 inhibitors are a new class of hypoglycemic drugs that positively affect several risk factors of cardiorenal damage. OBJECTIVES: The study aimed to review and critically discuss available data on the association of SGLT-2 inhibitors treatment with kidney function, progress of diabetic kidney disease, and renal related outcomes, as well to unveil potential mechanisms of action that mediate such effects. METHOD: We conducted a comprehensive search of the literature on the renal related effects of SGLT-2 inhibitors, to compose a narrative mini-review. RESULTS: The administration of SGLT-2 inhibitors was observed to exert beneficial effects on a wide cluster of risk factors of chronic kidney disease, such as hyperglycemia, blood pressure, serum uric acid, and body weight. Data from the first two large, randomized, clinical trials of SGLT-2 inhibitors conducted to address the renal related outcomes of SGLT-2 inhibitors suggest substantial benefits on estimated glomerular filtration rate decline and albuminuria. CONCLUSION: The initial data suggest clinically meaningful benefits of the SGLT-2 inhibitors in diabetic patients in relevance with chronic kidney disease. Future, well-designed randomised clinical trials need to be further investigated such as nephroprotective outcomes, that if confirmed, could lead to new perspectives in the management of diabetic nephropathy.

Mineralocorticoid Receptor Antagonists in Essential and Resistant Hypertension.

BACKGROUND: Mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists are a second-line class of antihypertensive drugs, which have been accounted for as the optimal add-on therapy in the triple algorithm for the management of resistant hypertension. OBJECTIVES: To assess the effects of mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists in the treatment of patients with essential hypertension and resistant hypertension. METHOD: We conducted a meticulous review of the literature and comprehensive identification of the clinical trials assessing the efficacy of mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists in individuals with primary and resistant hypertension. RESULTS: MRAs have been thoroughly tested in several clinical studies in relevance to blood pressure lowering effects, over the last six decades. Accumulating data observed that MRAs resulted in a significant reduction in blood pressure level in patients with resistant hypertension. In addition, spironolactone was found to beneficially affect the management of resistant hypertension. CONCLUSION: Mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists exert a significant antihypertensive effect. Future welldesigned randomized controlled studies are greatly needed to address crucial clinical aspects in the field.

Current and Potential Future Pharmacological Approaches for Non- Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease.

BACKGROUND: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) affects a large proportion of the general population. The disease ranges from simple steatosis, to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), cirrhosis and even hepatocellular carcinoma. Several drugs are used in daily clinical practice to manage the disease. However, data on their efficacy in liver histology are not consistent. AIM: We discuss current treatment options for NAFLD and NASH and preliminary results from novel drugs under investigation. RESULTS: Among various drugs assessed for the management of NAFLD and NASH, only pioglitazone and vitamin E have provided consistent benefits on liver histology, and are recommended by the European and American guidelines. Statins were shown to produce clinically meaningful results in patients with NAFLD or NASH. Other drugs such as metformin and polyunsaturated fatty acids that are being used in clinical practice off-label have provided benefits on terms of hepatic biochemical and diabetesrelated markers; data on liver histology with these drugs are scarce and from small studies. Several new approaches to reduce inflammation, steatosis or fibrosis have shown promising results in experimental models of NAFLD or NASH lesions and are being evaluated in humans. CONCLUSION: Pioglitazone and vitamin E are the only drugs providing consistent benefits and are currently recommended for NASH. Various pathogenetic pathways are being targeted to reduce steatosis, inflammation and fibrosis and early data on several novel drugs are very promising. On-going human trials will unveil their true impact.