Phosphodiesterase enzyme (PDE) inhibitors is a group of anti-inflammatory drugs that can be useful for the treatment of Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis, as well as other inflammatory bowel diseases. Commonly known as NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), these drugs function by inhibiting the activities of an enzyme called lipase, which is involved in the synthesis of cholesterol. Although this form of medication has shown some promise for the control of inflammatory bowel disease, there have been very few studies comparing its use to that of topical or oral anti-inflammatory drugs.
Phosphodiesterase enzyme (PDE) inhibitors are important in a number of processes that go on in bodies. The kidneys, for example, make a form of this enzyme to break down certain substances in the blood such as sugar and fat. This process, though, is only effective if it is able to get through all the different stages of the digestion process.
What makes them especially useful in the area of aging and other diseases is the fact that they are very broad spectrum selective inhibitors, acting against a variety of different substances. One of the most commonly used forms of these selective inhibitors is called N-acetyl-glucosamine phosphodiesterase (NAG). This particular enzyme is commonly referred to as NAG in order to prevent it from becoming non-phosphodiesterase. By inhibiting both the actions of the enzyme, as well as its substrate, it helps to slow down the process by which the acid forms. However, despite their wide range of applications, Phosphodiesterase enzyme (PDE) inhibitors tend to be most effective in helping with situations where one requires a low amount of flexibility to the process.
