What is SGC?

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What is SGC?
SGC stands for “soluble guanylyl cyclase” and it is a substance which is said to be the only known receptor for the compound nitric oxide or NO. Nitric Oxide is a very important molecule in humans for its cell signaling properties. It is also a big use in the chemical industry, though it is one of the compounds that can be considered as pollutants to the air from combustion engines on cars and automobiles, and from power plants using fossil fuels.

The chemical SGC or “sGC” is said to be involved in vasodilation, can be found intracellularly, and is highly soluble. With nitric oxide present, the activity of sGC is said to be stimulated and increased to up to 200% of its normal activity. sGC is also involved in working in conjunction with other chemicals in acting as sensors for different conditions such as oxidative stress, light, diatomic gasses, and the presence of nitric oxide itself. It is because of these sGC properties that some companies created drugs to stimulate their function and treat certain illnesses like pulmonary arterial hypertension.

One such drug that acts to stimulate sGC or soluble guanylyl cyclase is “Riociguat”. This drug is still under clinical development by the Bayer Company for the treatment of some types of pulmonary hypertension, chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension and PAH or pulmonary arterial hypertension. Based on several tests on rats and mice, this particular experimental drug has shown signs of reducing pulmonary hypertension and reversing possible enlargement of heart muscles and remodeling of the heart ventricles. Another drug that tries to take advantage of sGC’s functions and properties by stimulating it is “Cinaciguat”. Just like riociguat, this drug is also experimental and is intended for use in acute decompensated heart failure. This drug works by stimulating cyclic BMP biosynthesis and thereby resulting to vasodilation.

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