Protective effects of cilostazol on endothelial dysfunction and inflammation in early stages of atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis is a progressive inflammatory disease of the wall of large and medium sized arteries associated to endothelial dysfunction (Martinet, Front Pharmacol, 10:306, 2019), increased oxidative stress and vascular inflammation (Balakumar, Pharmacol Res, 87:144, 2014). Cilostazol (CIL), a selective phosphodiesterase 3 inhibitor, has been used for intermittent claudication treatment. The molecular mechanism involved in vascular effects of CIL has not yet been fully established.