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Isosorbide

Drugs and Chemicals · NLM MeSH · updated 2026-10-31 · version 1

Citations verified against PubMedNot yet clinician-reviewed10 referencesApproximately 4 min read

1,4:3,6-Dianhydro D-glucitol.

Table of Contents

1. Definition2. Research landscape3. Reading the evidence4. Open-access studies5. Key reviews6. References7. About this article

Definition and research guide

This page combines a MeSH definition, publication statistics and selected research abstracts. It is a starting point for reading the literature, not a medical textbook or a systematic evidence review.

Content available: 4 complete abstracts (732 words), 10 references. Full article text is not stored or reproduced here; follow the PMID, DOI or PMC links to read the original sources and their access terms.

Definition

1,4:3,6-Dianhydro D-glucitol. Chemically inert osmotic diuretic used mainly to treat hydrocephalus; also used in glaucoma.

Definition: NLM Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) scope note (Public domain (U.S. National Library of Medicine); attribution requested). View the MeSH record.

Also known as: Dianhydrosorbitol.

Where it fits in the MeSH classification

Broader topics
Sorbitol
Narrower topics
Isosorbide Dinitrate

Research landscape

PubMed indexes 3,863 records tagged with the MeSH heading “Isosorbide” (counts retrieved 2026-10-31). 119 of them (3.1%) were published from 2020 onward, and the busiest period so far is through 1999 with 2,643 records.

Reviews account for 285 records (7.4%) and meta-analyses for 18. Randomized controlled trials number 762 (19.7%) as a share of all records on the topic. Randomized trials make up a comparatively large share of this literature, which means many treatment questions have been tested directly.

PubMed records by publication periodthrough 1999: 2,643 records; 2000-2009: 741 records; 2010-2019: 360 records; 2020 onward: 119 records2,643through 19997412000-20093602010-20191192020 onward
Records in PubMed indexed with this heading, by publication period. Real counts from NCBI E-utilities; the final period covers only part of the current year. Volume reflects how much has been published, not how strong the evidence is.
Show the data
PeriodRecords
through 19992,643
2000-2009741
2010-2019360
2020 onward119
Share of records by publication typeReviews: 7.4 percent; Meta-analyses: 0.5 percent; Randomized controlled trials: 19.7 percentReviews7.4% (285)Meta-analyses0.5% (18)Randomized controlled trials19.7% (762)
Share of all PubMed records on this heading that carry each publication type. Types overlap with other records, so the shares do not sum to 100%.
Publication-type chart data
Publication types among 3,863 PubMed records
TypeRecordsShare
Reviews2857.4%
Meta-analyses180.5%
Randomized controlled trials76219.7%

Method: PubMed query "Isosorbide"[MeSH Terms] with publication-type and date filters, retrieved 2026-10-31.

Reading the evidence in drugs and chemicals

Studies of a chemical or drug can answer very different questions: what it is and how it behaves in cells and animals, how the body handles it, and whether it changes outcomes in people. Laboratory and animal findings often do not carry over to patients, and observational studies of exposures are confounded by who uses a substance and why. Nothing on this page is a recommendation to use, avoid, start or stop any substance or medicine; talk to a qualified clinician or pharmacist about your own situation. Check the dose, the species, the comparison group and whether a patient-relevant outcome was measured.

Evidence from open-access studies

These open-access studies come from PubMed’s best-match results for this heading (papers whose main topic it is), ranked here by citation count, with one recent addition. Each abstract is reproduced in full under its recorded open licence so that you can read the authors’ own words. They illustrate the literature; they are not a systematic summary of it. Citation counts measure attention, not reliability or clinical benefit.

Study comparison — selected abstracts, not a systematic review
Study / authorsYearSource label / designEurope PMC citationsLicence / source
Ultra-Tough Elastomers from Stereochemistry-Directed Hydrogen Bonding in Isosorbide-Based Polymers
Petersen SR, Prydderch H, Worch JC, Stubbs CJ, Wang Z, Yu J, et al.
2022Research article
Design not recorded in structured metadata
37cc by
PMID 35167725 · DOI · PMC9311410
Aging aggravates nitrate-mediated ROS/RNS changes
Fan Q, Chen L, Cheng S, Li F, Lau WB, Wang le F, et al.
2014Research article
Design not recorded in structured metadata
26cc by
PMID 24790702 · DOI · PMC3981534
miRNA-130b is required for the ERK/FOXM1 pathway activation-mediated protective effects of isosorbide dinitrate against mesenchymal stem cell senescence induced by high glucose
Xu J, Huang Z, Lin L, Fu M, Song Y, Shen Y, et al.
2015Research article
Design not recorded in structured metadata
25cc by
PMID 25355277 · DOI · PMC4249746
Designing Biobased Poly(ethylene-co-isosorbide terephthalate) Copolyesters with Tunable Properties and Degradability
Li D, Li Y, Zhang Y, Xu Y, Zhang X, Hakkarainen M
2025Research article
Design not recorded in structured metadata
3cc by
PMID 40056101 · DOI · PMC12004518

Ultra-Tough Elastomers from Stereochemistry-Directed Hydrogen Bonding in Isosorbide-Based Polymers [1]

Research article Petersen SR, Prydderch H, Worch JC, Stubbs CJ, Wang Z, Yu J, et al. · · 2022 · cited 37 times (Europe PMC)

Abstract reading summary — source excerpts
Opening excerpt
The remarkable elasticity and tensile strength found in natural elastomers are challenging to mimic.
Closing excerpt
These phenomena are attributed to the regiochemical irregularities in the polymers arising from their distinct stereochemistry and respective inter-chain hydrogen bonding.
Interpretation limits
Verbatim excerpts from the authors’ abstract; the closing excerpt may describe a finding, limitation or recommendation. Design, population, effect size and uncertainty have not been independently extracted or appraised. Read the complete abstract and linked paper before interpreting the findings.
Read complete abstract (125 words)

The remarkable elasticity and tensile strength found in natural elastomers are challenging to mimic. Synthetic elastomers typically feature covalently cross-linked networks (rubbers), but this hinders their reprocessability. Physical cross-linking via hydrogen bonding or ordered crystallite domains can afford reprocessable elastomers, but often at the cost of performance. Herein, we report the synthesis of ultra-tough, reprocessable elastomers based on linear alternating polymers. The incorporation of a rigid isohexide adjacent to urethane moieties affords elastomers with exceptional strain hardening, strain rate dependent behavior, and high optical clarity. Distinct differences were observed between isomannide and isosorbide-based elastomers where the latter displays superior tensile strength and strain recovery. These phenomena are attributed to the regiochemical irregularities in the polymers arising from their distinct stereochemistry and respective inter-chain hydrogen bonding.

Abstract reproduced from the open-access article under the recorded cc by licence; © the authors. PMID 35167725 · DOI · PMC9311410

Aging aggravates nitrate-mediated ROS/RNS changes [2]

Research article Fan Q, Chen L, Cheng S, Li F, Lau WB, Wang le F, et al. · · 2014 · cited 26 times (Europe PMC)

Abstract reading summary — source excerpts
Opening excerpt
Nitrates are the most frequently prescribed and utilized drugs worldwide.
Closing excerpt
Taken together, the present study's data suggests a synergism between nitrate treatment and the aging process.
Interpretation limits
Verbatim excerpts from the authors’ abstract; the closing excerpt may describe a finding, limitation or recommendation. Design, population, effect size and uncertainty have not been independently extracted or appraised. Read the complete abstract and linked paper before interpreting the findings.
Read complete abstract (207 words)

Nitrates are the most frequently prescribed and utilized drugs worldwide. The elderly are a major population receiving nitrate therapy. Both nitrates and aging can increase in vivo reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS). To date, the effects of aging upon nitrate-induced ROS/RNS alteration are unknown. The present study tested the effects of aging upon nitrate-induced ROS/RNS alteration in vivo. 32 adults and 43 elderly unstable angina (UA) patients were subjected to 48 hours of isosorbide dinitrate intravenous injection (50 μg/minutes) in this clinical study. Blood samples were obtained at baseline and conclusion. Outcome measures of oxidative stress included plasma malondialdehyde (MDA), myeloperoxidase (MPO), and reduced glutathione (GSH). Plasma concentrations of NOx and nitrotyrosine served as markers of RNS. Because of the significant differences in basic clinical characters between adults and the elderly, we designed an additional experiment determining ROS/RNS stress in rat cardiac tissue. Additionally, rat thoracic aortic NOS activity served as a marker indicating endothelial function. Our study demonstrated that nitrate therapy significantly increased in vivo ROS/RNS stress in the elderly compared to adult patients, confirmed by animal data. Decreased NOS activity was observed in old rats. Taken together, the present study's data suggests a synergism between nitrate treatment and the aging process.

Abstract reproduced from the open-access article under the recorded cc by licence; © the authors. PMID 24790702 · DOI · PMC3981534

miRNA-130b is required for the ERK/FOXM1 pathway activation-mediated protective effects of isosorbide dinitrate against mesenchymal stem cell senescence induced by high glucose [3]

Research article Xu J, Huang Z, Lin L, Fu M, Song Y, Shen Y, et al. · · 2015 · cited 25 times (Europe PMC)

Abstract reading summary — source excerpts
Opening excerpt
The present study was carried out to investigate the hypothesis that organic nitrates can attenuate the senescence of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), a superior cell source involved in the regeneration and repair of damaged tissue.
Closing excerpt
Taken together, to the best of our knowledge, the present study is the first to demonstrate the favourable effects of ISDN against HG-induced MSC senescence, which are mediated through the activation of the ERK/FOXM1 pathway and the upregulation of miR-130b.
Interpretation limits
Verbatim excerpts from the authors’ abstract; the closing excerpt may describe a finding, limitation or recommendation. Design, population, effect size and uncertainty have not been independently extracted or appraised. Read the complete abstract and linked paper before interpreting the findings.
Read complete abstract (253 words)

The present study was carried out to investigate the hypothesis that organic nitrates can attenuate the senescence of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), a superior cell source involved in the regeneration and repair of damaged tissue. MSCs were treated with high glucose (HG) in order to induce senescence, which was markedly attenuated by pre-treatment with isosorbide dinitrate (ISDN), a commonly used nitrate, as indicated by senescence-associated galactosidase (SA-β-gal) activity, p21 expression, as well as by the mRNA levels of DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1) and differentiated embryo chondrocyte expressed gene 1 (DEC1), which are senescence-related biomarkers. It was also found that the senescent MSCs (induced by HG glucose) exhibited a marked downregulation in ERK activity and forkhead box M1 (FOXM1) expression, which was reversed by ISDN preconditioning. Of note, the inhibition of ERK phosphorylation or the downregulation of FOXM1 statistically abolished the favourable effects of ISDN. In addition, the investigation of the senescence-associated miR-130 family suggested that miR-130b mediates the beneficial effects of ISDN; it was found that the protective effects of ISDN against the senescence of MSCs were prominently reversed by the knockdown of miR-130b. Furthermore, the downregulation of ERK phosphorylation or FOXM1 expression decreased the miR-130b expression level; however, the suppression of miR-130b demonstrated no significant impact on ERK phosphorylation or FOXM1 expression. Taken together, to the best of our knowledge, the present study is the first to demonstrate the favourable effects of ISDN against HG-induced MSC senescence, which are mediated through the activation of the ERK/FOXM1 pathway and the upregulation of miR-130b.

Abstract reproduced from the open-access article under the recorded cc by licence; © the authors. PMID 25355277 · DOI · PMC4249746

Designing Biobased Poly(ethylene-co-isosorbide terephthalate) Copolyesters with Tunable Properties and Degradability [4]

Research article Li D, Li Y, Zhang Y, Xu Y, Zhang X, Hakkarainen M · · 2025 · cited 3 times (Europe PMC)

Abstract reading summary — source excerpts
Opening excerpt
Production of high-performance polyesters with tailored degradability remains a challenge.
Closing excerpt
This outlines an attractive approach for developing high-performance copolyesters with tunable properties and degradation rates, suitable for applications in transparent thermal packaging materials.
Interpretation limits
Verbatim excerpts from the authors’ abstract; the closing excerpt may describe a finding, limitation or recommendation. Design, population, effect size and uncertainty have not been independently extracted or appraised. Read the complete abstract and linked paper before interpreting the findings.
Read complete abstract (147 words)

Production of high-performance polyesters with tailored degradability remains a challenge. Here, a series of poly(ethylene-co-isosorbide terephthalate) (PEIT) copolyesters were synthesized by varying the isosorbide (IS) content (0-20 mol %) using tetrabutyl titanate (TBT) as the catalyst. By variation of the IS content, the thermal, mechanical, and optical properties of the copolyesters were effectively tailored. As the IS content increased, the Tg was raised from 80 to 101 °C, and the tensile strength from 58.8 to 68.7 MPa. Moreover, excellent transparency was maintained (up to 90% light transmittance). Interestingly, the susceptibility to hydrolytic degradation was significantly enhanced by the incorporation of IS, with PEIT-20 showing approximately 3.5 times higher weight loss compared to PET after 50 days of alkaline degradation in 0.1 M NaOH solution. This outlines an attractive approach for developing high-performance copolyesters with tunable properties and degradation rates, suitable for applications in transparent thermal packaging materials.

Abstract reproduced from the open-access article under the recorded cc by licence; © the authors. PMID 40056101 · DOI · PMC12004518

Key reviews and meta-analyses

The most cited review-type papers among PubMed’s best-match results for this heading, listed with bibliographic details only. Follow the links for the full text and access terms.

  • Research article Cardiovascular effects of the 3 phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors approved for the treatment of erectile dysfunction [5]
    Kloner RA · Circulation · 2004 · cited 128 times (Europe PMC)
  • Research article Hemodynamic effects of nitroglycerin and long-acting nitrates [6]
    Abrams J · Am Heart J · 1985 · cited 90 times (Europe PMC)
  • Research article Isosorbide as a renewable platform chemical for versatile applications--quo vadis? [7]
    Rose M, Palkovits R · ChemSusChem · 2012 · cited 88 times (Europe PMC)
  • Research article Is danshen (Salvia miltiorrhiza) dripping pill more effective than isosorbide dinitrate in treating angina pectoris? A systematic review of randomized controlled trials [8]
    Jia Y, Huang F, Zhang S, Leung SW · Int J Cardiol · 2012 · cited 71 times (Europe PMC)
  • Research article Isosorbide dinitrate for the relief of severe heart failure after myocardial infarction [9]
    Mantle JA, Russell RO, Moraski RE, Rackley CE · Am J Cardiol · 1976 · cited 62 times (Europe PMC)
  • Research article Side effects of using nitrates to treat angina [10]
    Thadani U, Rodgers T · Expert Opin Drug Saf · 2006 · cited 58 times (Europe PMC)

References

  1. Petersen SR, Prydderch H, Worch JC, Stubbs CJ, Wang Z, Yu J, et al.. Ultra-Tough Elastomers from Stereochemistry-Directed Hydrogen Bonding in Isosorbide-Based Polymers. . 2022. PMID 35167725 · DOI · PMC9311410
  2. Fan Q, Chen L, Cheng S, Li F, Lau WB, Wang le F, et al.. Aging aggravates nitrate-mediated ROS/RNS changes. . 2014. PMID 24790702 · DOI · PMC3981534
  3. Xu J, Huang Z, Lin L, Fu M, Song Y, Shen Y, et al.. miRNA-130b is required for the ERK/FOXM1 pathway activation-mediated protective effects of isosorbide dinitrate against mesenchymal stem cell senescence induced by high glucose. . 2015. PMID 25355277 · DOI · PMC4249746
  4. Li D, Li Y, Zhang Y, Xu Y, Zhang X, Hakkarainen M. Designing Biobased Poly(ethylene-co-isosorbide terephthalate) Copolyesters with Tunable Properties and Degradability. . 2025. PMID 40056101 · DOI · PMC12004518
  5. Kloner RA. Cardiovascular effects of the 3 phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors approved for the treatment of erectile dysfunction. Circulation. 2004. PMID 15533876 · DOI
  6. Abrams J. Hemodynamic effects of nitroglycerin and long-acting nitrates. Am Heart J. 1985. PMID 3925741 · DOI
  7. Rose M, Palkovits R. Isosorbide as a renewable platform chemical for versatile applications--quo vadis?. ChemSusChem. 2012. PMID 22213713 · DOI
  8. Jia Y, Huang F, Zhang S, Leung SW. Is danshen (Salvia miltiorrhiza) dripping pill more effective than isosorbide dinitrate in treating angina pectoris? A systematic review of randomized controlled trials. Int J Cardiol. 2012. PMID 21251721 · DOI
  9. Mantle JA, Russell RO, Moraski RE, Rackley CE. Isosorbide dinitrate for the relief of severe heart failure after myocardial infarction. Am J Cardiol. 1976. PMID 1108634 · DOI
  10. Thadani U, Rodgers T. Side effects of using nitrates to treat angina. Expert Opin Drug Saf. 2006. PMID 16907656 · DOI

About this article

Sources
NLM Medical Subject Headings (definition, synonyms); NCBI PubMed (counts, identifiers); Europe PMC (open-access abstracts and citation counts).
Verification
Every reference was resolved against PubMed on 2026-10-31; title, year and DOI matched.
Review state
automated source verified; no human expert review has been recorded yet.
Version
1, last updated 2026-10-31.

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At a glance

3,863
PubMed records on this heading
3%
published since 2020
285
review articles
762
randomized trials
10
verified references below

Counts come from PubMed on 2026-10-31; they show how much has been written, not how strong the evidence is.

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