Search

AIM Insulin treatment is considered to be the final option for patients with progressive type 2 diabetes. This study investigated, whether reconverting type 2 patients from insulin treatment to oral treatment using pioglitazone is possible without deterioration of blood glucose control. METHODS The PioSwitch study was a prospective, open label, proof of concept study. Thiazolidinedione-naive patients with residual beta-cell function were switched from an existing insulin therapy to treatment with pioglitazone and glimepiride for 6 months. Efficacy was assessed by laboratory parameters and scores for evaluation of metabolic control, beta-cell function, insulin resistance and cardiovascular risk. RESULTS In total, 98 patients [66 men, 32 women, age (mean +/- s.d.): 59 +/- 9 years; disease duration: 5.6 +/- 3.6 years; Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c): 6.9 +/- 0.8%; body mass index (BMI): 33.9 +/- 5.2 kg/m(2), initial daily insulin therapy dose: 0.36 +/- 0.3 U/kg body weight] out of 117 screened patients were treated. During the observation period, 23 patients were prematurely terminated because of an increase in HbA1c from baseline > 0.5% or other reasons. In 75 patients (76%), no deterioration of glucose metabolism occurred and additional improvements were seen in the majority of the observation parameters [baseline vs. endpoint; HbA1c: 6.79 +/- 0.74%/6.66 +/- 0.69% (p < 0.05), glucose: 6.4 +/- 1.5/5.2 +/- 1.4 mmol/l (p < 0.001), adiponectin: 7 +/- 3 mg/l/17 +/- 8 mg/l (p < 0.001), C-peptide: 987 +/- 493/1756 +/- 789 (p < 0.001), sensitivity index derived from the intravenous glucose tolerance test (SI(ivGTT)): 1.21 +/- 0.85/1.49 +/- 0.95 (p < 0.05), hsCRP: 3.3 +/- 2.4/2.6 +/- 2.4 mg/l (p < 0.01), macrophage chemo-attractant protein 1 (MCP1): 487 +/- 246/382 +/- 295 ng/l (p < 0.05)]. BMI increased from 33.8 +/- 5.1 to 34.4 +/- 5.3 kg/m(2) (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS The switch from insulin therapy resulting in a moderately HbA1c level, to oral treatment with pioglitazone was successful in a majority of patients with sufficient residual beta-cell function. It allows a simple and less expensive therapy with a better cardiovascular risk marker profile.

Retinol binding protein 4 (RBP4) has recently been suggested as a good biomarker for insulin resistance and the metabolic syndrome. With this study, we wanted to investigate the effect of pioglitazone (PIO) and simvastatin (SIMVA) on insulin resistance and RBP4 plasma concentrations in nondiabetic patients with metabolic syndrome and increased risk for cardiovascular complications. The prospective, parallel, randomized, double-blind clinical trial was performed with 125 nondiabetic patients with increased cardiovascular risk (78 females, 47 males, age (mean+/-STD): 58.6+/-7.8 years, BMI: 30.8+/-4.2 kg/m (2)). They were randomized to either receive PIO (45 mg)+placebo, SIMVA (40 mg)+placebo, or PIO+SIMVA for 3 months. Key outcome measures were the HOMA (IR)-Score, an oral glucose tolerance test, adiponectin, hsCRP, and RBP4 at baseline and endpoint. No correlation could be detected between the HOMA (IR) values or the impaired fasting glucose tolerance status and RBP-4. Treatment with PIO alone or in combination with SIMVA resulted in a significant improvement of the HOMA (IR)-Score and the adiponectin values, while no change in HOMA (IR) and a decrease in adiponectin (p

Background We analyzed the efficacy and possible synergistic actions of pioglitazone and simvastatin monotherapy versus their combination on LDL subfractions from a subpopulation from the PIOSTAT three-arm randomized controlled trial. PPARγ agonists, such as pioglitazone, improve insulin sensitivity and glycemic control and appear to lower the concentration of atherogenic small dense LDL particles. Insulin resistance frequently occurs in non-diabetic patients with cardiovascular disease. Statins, such as simvastatin, reduce cardiovascular events by lowering LDL-C. So far, only scarce information exists for comparative efficacy and possible synergistic effects of combination therapy on LDL subfractions, cholesterol particle load, and particle number of atherogenic small dense LDL. Methods 125 non-diabetic patients with high cardiovascular risk were randomized to therapy with pioglitazone 45 mg/day, simvastatin 40 mg/day, or the combination of both, for 12 weeks. In the present sub-study, LDL subfractions from 88 patients were separated by very-fast ultracentrifugation. Results Simvastatin monotherapy significantly reduced cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations in IDL, LDL1, and LDL2. The lipid concentrations and lipid loads in LDL3 remained unchanged. By contrast, treatment with pioglitazone reduced the cholesterol concentration in LDL3 (density 1.040–1.066 kg/l) from 0.38 to 0.31 mmol/l ( p = 0.0004) and of the cholesterol load per particle from 1058 to 934 mol/mol ( p = 0.0149). Even greater reductions of cholesterol in LDL3 were observed with the combination of pioglitazone and simvastatin: from 0.38 to 0.29 mmol/l ( p = 0.0006) and from 1021 to 903 mol/mol ( p = 0.0011), respectively. In addition, combination therapy reduced the particle number of LDL3 from 356 to 316 nmol/l ( p = 0.0074). Conclusions Simvastatin preferentially lowered LDL1 and LDL2 subfractions, whereas pioglitazone reduced LDL3 cholesterol and cholesterol load. In addition, the combination reduced the LDL3 particle number. Thus, our data suggest a synergistic action of pioglitazone and simvastatin on atherogenicity of small dense LDL particles.

We investigated MMP-9 levels and inflammatory markers during pioglitazone treatment in type 2 diabetic patients with cardiovascular disease. In this randomized multicenter, double blinded, placebo controlled study, 92 type 2 diabetic patients with angiographically proven CHD were randomly assigned to pioglitazone or placebo treatment. At baseline and during a 28 days observational period MMP-9, MCP1, hsCRP, IL-6, sCD40, and P-selectin were monitored. During Pioglitazone treatment, a 12% reduction in MMP-9 and a 18% reduction in hsCRP levels (p < 0.05, respectively) could be observed already after 3 days. MCP-1 levels were reduced by 14% after 10 days of treatment (p < 0.0001). At the end of the study, these parameters were significantly lower in the pioglitazone group as compared to the placebo group (MMP-9: 392 ± 286 versus 427 ± 166 ng/ml; hsCRP: 1.9 ± 1.7 versus 3.1 ± 2.3 ng/L; MCP-1: 413 ± 115 versus 471 ± 146 pg/ml; p < 0.05, respectively). sCD40 levels decreased by 32.5% (p < 0.05) and P-selectin decreased by 3.2% (p = 0.053) in the pioglitazone group. No change could be found with regard to the other study endpoints. No changes in these parameters could be observed during placebo treatment. Even before effects on glucose metabolism could be obtained, pioglitazone exerts immediate effects on plasma markers of plaque vulnerability and inflammation.

AIM Pioglitazone is an established peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma agonist for the treatment of insulin resistance in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. This analysis of the observational IRIS III study was performed to evaluate the effects of pioglitazone treatment in relation to the degree of physical exercise activities in a large patient population under daily life conditions. METHODS A total of 1298 patients out of 2092 enrolled into the IRIS III study who had provided information about their exercise level could be included in the final analysis (622 female, 676 male; age: 63.1 +/- 10.4 years, diabetes duration: 6.6 +/- 5.0 years, mean +/- SD). All patients were glitazone naive prior to study entry. They received pioglitazone in addition to their previous oral antidiabetic treatment. The patients were stratified according to their physical activity level (never, sometimes, and regularly). Data were evaluated at baseline and after 20 +/- 2 weeks of treatment. Observation parameters were fasting blood glucose, lipids, and blood pressure. Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) was determined in a central laboratory, and insulin sensitivity was assessed by the IRIS II score. RESULTS Glycemic control, blood pressure, and the lipid profile improved independently from the degree of physical activity (e.g., no exercise vs frequent exercise: DeltaHbA1c: -0.89 +/- 1.2% vs -0.72 +/- 1.1%, not significant). A positive impact of exercise on insulin resistance could be observed at baseline, which, however, was further decreased by pioglitazone treatment [IRIS II score (baseline/end point): no exercise vs frequent exercise: 74.0 +/- 15.9/62.5 +/- 20.2 vs 66.7 +/- 19.0/58.0 +/- 21.8, p < 0.001/not significant]. CONCLUSIONS These observational results, obtained from a nonselected patient population under daily routine conditions, confirm that the benefits of pioglitazone treatment on glycemic control, lipid metabolism, and blood pressure are independent from physical activity. Exercise has a positive influence on insulin sensitivity, but pioglitazone shows additional favorable effects and is, therefore, recommended for use independently from the activity level of the patients.

We investigated the effect of pioglitazone in comparison with and in combination with simvastatin on insulin resistance, plasma adiponectin, postprandial plasma glucose, insulin, and intact proinsulin levels in a nondiabetic population at cardiovascular risk. One hundred twenty-five nondiabetic patients at cardiovascular risk were randomized to pioglitazone (PIO), pioglitazone and simvastatin (PIO/SIM), or simvastatin (SIM) treatments. Blood samples were taken for the measurement of adiponectin and lipid levels. In addition, an oral glucose load with the measurements of glucose, insulin, and intact proinsulin levels was performed. Adiponectin levels increased from 14.0 ± 8.2 to 27.6 ± 14.5 μg/mL (P < .0001) during PIO treatment and from 11.7 ± 10.0 to 26.7 ± 15.7 μg/mL (P < .0001) during PIO/SIM treatment. A decrease in adiponectin levels from 15.5 ± 12.7 to 11.6 ± 7.0 μg/mL (P < .05) was observed during SIM treatment. Although fasting intact proinsulin levels remained unchanged, the increase in postprandial intact proinsulin levels could be reduced from 29.5 ± 21.4 to 22.1 ± 17.5 pmol/L (P < .01) during PIO treatment and from 24.3 ± 27.4 to 21.1 ± 16.5 mmol/L (P < .05) during PIO/SIM treatment. Lipid parameters improved during SIM treatment but not during PIO treatment. Combined treatment with PIO/SIM was superior in improving overall cardiovascular risk profile than every single drug.

Objectives The purpose of this study was to test the safety and efficacy of pioglitazone and simvastatin in combination versus each drug individually in non-diabetic subjects with cardiovascular disease (CVD) and elevated high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels. Background Low-grade inflammation is a pathogenic factor for atherosclerosis. High-sensitivity CRP, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9, and plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI)-1 are markers of inflammation. Statins and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-γ agonists lower inflammatory markers and reduce CVD in type 2 diabetes. Methods In a 12-week, prospective, double-blind trial, 125 subjects were randomized to simvastatin or pioglitazone plus placebo or a simvastatin/pioglitazone combination. We tested changes in hs-CRP by analysis of covariance. A subgroup analysis was performed in patients with and without the metabolic syndrome (MetS). The correlation between changes in hs-CRP and homeostasis model assessment (HOMA; a measure of insulin resistance) was calculated with the Spearman’s rank test. Results At baseline, there were no significant between-group differences. At 12 weeks, pioglitazone and simvastatin monotherapies significantly reduced hs-CRP (3.64 ± 2.42 mg/l to 2.48 ± 1.77 mg/l and 3.26 ± 2.02 mg/l to 2.81 ± 2.11 mg/l) and the combination regimen had an additive effect (from 3.49 ± 1.97 mg/l to 2.06 ± 1.42 mg/l, p Conclusions Pioglitazone, probably by reducing insulin resistance, has additive anti-inflammatory effects to simvastatin in non-diabetic subjects with CVD and high hs-CRP.

Objectives This study was performed to assess whether the anti-inflammatory and antiatherogenic effects of pioglitazone suggested by animal experiments are reproducible in man and independent from improvements in metabolic control. Background Type 2 diabetes is associated with increased cardiovascular risk. Methods A total of 192 patients were enrolled into a six-month, prospective, open-label, controlled clinical study. They were randomized to receive either pioglitazone (45 mg) or glimepiride (1 to 6 mg, with the intent to optimize therapy). Biochemical and clinical markers to assess therapeutic effects included HbA1c, fasting glucose, insulin, adiponectin, lipids, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), intracellular adhesion molecule, vascular cell adhesion molecule, vascular endothelial growth factor, fibrinogen, von Willebrand factor, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9, monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)-1, soluble CD40 ligand, and carotid intima-media thickness (IMT). Results The study was completed by 173 patients (66 female, 107 male; age [± SD]: 63 ± 8 years; disease duration: 7.2 ± 7.2 years; HbA1c: 7.5 ± 0.9%; pioglitazone arm: 89 patients). A comparable reduction in HbA1c was seen in both groups (p Conclusions This prospective study gives evidence of an anti-inflammatory and antiatherogenic effect of pioglitazone versus glimepiride. This effect is independent from blood glucose control and may be attributed to peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma activation.

Background— Patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus are at high risk of cardiovascular disease. Carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) is a strong predictor of myocardial infarction and stroke. Methods and Results— We compared the effects of pioglitazone-based therapy (45 mg/d) and glimepiride-based treatment (2.7±1.6 mg/d) for 12 and 24 weeks on metabolic control (HbA 1c ), insulin resistance (homeostasis model assessment), and carotid IMT (B-mode ultrasonography) in a randomized controlled study in 173 orally treated patients with type 2 diabetes (66 women, 107 men; mean±SD age, 62.6±7.9 years; body mass index, 31.8±4.6 kg/m 2 ; HbA 1c , 7.5±0.9%). Treatment was generally well tolerated in both groups. Despite similar improvements in metabolic control (HbA 1c ) after 24 weeks (−0.8±0.9% [pioglitazone] versus −0.6±0.8% [glimepiride]; P =NS), carotid IMT was reduced only in the pioglitazone group after 12 weeks (−0.033±0.052 versus −0.002±0.047 mm [glimepiride]; P P P r =0.29, P r =0.03, P =0.68). Conclusions— We found a substantial regression of carotid IMT, independent of improved glycemic control, after 12 and 24 weeks of pioglitazone treatment. This finding may have important prognostic implications for patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

OBJECTIVE—To investigate the influence of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPAR-γ) gene variants on the response rate to therapy with the thiazolidinedione (TZD) pioglitazone, because in vitro studies have suggested that genetic variants of the PPAR-γ gene may influence the drug efficacy of TZD. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—A total of 131 patients were treated in an open-label, randomized, multicenter study with pioglitazone (45 mg o.d.) during a course of ≥26 weeks. Response to the pioglitazone therapy was defined by either a >20% decrease in fasting plasma glucose or a >15% decrease in HbA1c values after 26 weeks of pioglitazone treatment. We evaluated the association between the PPAR-γ genotype and the response rate to pioglitazone treatment. RESULTS—The Pro12Ala and the Pro12Pro variants in the PPAR-γ gene are not associated with the response rate to pioglitazone treatment in patients with type 2 diabetes. However, we identified initial fasting plasma glucose level >11.0 mmol/l, HbA1c value >9.0%, BMI >32 kg/m2, and fasting C-peptide concentrations at baseline >2.5 pmol/l as predominant confounding factors for the responder frequency to pioglitazone treatment. CONCLUSIONS—The Pro12Ala variant in the PPAR-γ gene does not affect the therapy efficacy of pioglitazone, suggesting that the drug-treatment response is independent from pharmacogenetic effects between PPAR-γ and its ligand pioglitazone. Whether the Ala12Ala genotype plays a role in the response rate to TZD therapy remains to be determined.

Background. This study was performed to investigate the influence of a short-term treatment with pioglitazone versus placebo on inflammatory activation of mononuclear cells (mRNA expression/protein secretion of inflammatory markers).Methods and Results. Sixty-three patients with well-controlled type 2 diabetes (52 males, 11 females, age (Mean ± SD):66±7 yrs, disease duration:6.6±9.6 yrs, HbA1c:6.7±0.6%) were randomized to additional 45 mg of pioglitazone or placebo to their existing metformin and sulfonylurea therpay for four weeks in a double-blind study design. Protein risk marker levels (hsCRP, MMP-9, MCP-1, etc.) and the expression of NFκB subunits and NFκB-modulated cytokines from isolated peripheral monocyte/macrophages were determined at baseline and endpoint. There were no changes in HbA1c, but significant biomarker improvements were seen with pioglitazone only. The mRNA marker expression was downregulated by pioglitazone and further up-regulated with placebo (e.g., P105 pioglitazone: −19%/placebo: +6%, RelA: −20%/+2%, MMP−9: −36%/+9%, TNFα: −10%/+14%,P<0.05between groups in all cases).Conclusions. Pioglitazone very rapidly down-regulated the activated state of peripheral monocytes/macrophages as assessed by mRNA expression of NFκB and NFκB-modulated cytokines and decreased plasma levels of cardiovascular risk marker proteins independent of glycemic control.

The peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma agonist pioglitazone is established as a drug to treat patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. In addition to lowering blood glucose levels, one of the favorable effects of pioglitazone is improvement of systemic chronic inflammation particularly affecting vessel walls. The effect can be monitored by the measurement of the biomarker C-reactive protein in the range of 0-10 mg/L (high-sensitivity C-reactive protein [hsCRP]). This observational trial was performed to evaluate the effects of pioglitazone on hsCRP values in a large population under daily life conditions.A total of 1,170 subjects could be included into the final analysis (633 men, 537 women; age [mean +/- SD], 63.5 +/- 10.4 years, body mass index, 31.0 +/- 5.5 kg/m2; duration of diabetes, 6.9 +/- 8.1 years; glycosylated hemoglobin [HbA1c], 7.5 +/- 1.1%). All patients were glitazone-naive prior to study entry. The patients received pioglitazone alone or in combination with their previous treatment (acarbose, sulfonylurea drugs, and/or metformin). Patients were evaluated at baseline and after 10 +/- 2 weeks and 20 +/- 2 weeks of treatment. Observation parameters were fasting blood glucose, lipids, and blood pressure. The level of hsCRP was determined in a central laboratory at baseline and at end point.All markers showed a significant improvement at trial end point. A decrease of hsCRP (baseline 3.3 +/- 1.0 mg/L vs. end point 2.8 +/- 2.3 mg/L, P0.01), HbA1c (7.5 +/- 1.1% vs. 6.8 +/- 0.9%, P0.001), fasting blood glucose (8.7 +/- 2.6 mM vs. 7.2 +/- 2.1 mM, P0.001), low-density lipoproteins (3.3 +/- 1.0 mM vs. 3.2 +/- 0.9 mM, P0.001), and triglycerides (2.4 +/- 2.0 mM vs. 2.2 +/- 2.5 mM, P0.001) and an increase in high-density lipoproteins (1.3 +/- 0.4 mM vs. 1.4 +/- 0.4 mM, P0.001) was observed. Parallel to the metabolic improvement, both systolic and diastolic blood pressure values were reduced (141 +/- 17 mm Hg vs. 137 +/- 15 mm Hg and 83 +/- 9 mm Hg vs. 80 +/- 9 mm Hg, respectively; P0.001 in both cases).These observational results, obtained from a nonselected patient population under daily routine conditions, confirm the benefits of pioglitazone treatment on blood glucose, lipid metabolism, and blood pressure. The results show that pioglitazone treatment improves chronic vascular inflammation, which may be associated with reduced cardiovascular risk.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to analyze the effect of pioglitazone (PIO) and simvastatin (SIMVA) on adiponectin and visfatin concentrations in nondiabetic patients with metabolic syndrome and increased risk for cardiovascular complications in a prospective randomized clinical trial. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: One-hundred twenty-five nondiabetic patients with increased cardiovascular risk [78 females, 47 males, age (mean+/-STD:58.6+/-7.8years, BMI:30.8+/-4.2(kg/m2] were included after randomization to PIO+lacebo, SIMVA+placebo, or PIO+SIMVA treatment for 3 months. At baseline and endpoint, measurements of HbA1c, glucose, insulin, LDL cholesterol, adiponectin and visfatin were performed. Insulin resistance was assessed by means of the HOMAIR-score. RESULTS: Improvement in the HOMAIR-score was observed with PIO and the combination, but not with SIMVA alone, which was accompanied by an increase in adiponectin with PIO treatment groups, but a decrease with SIMVA alone (baseline/endpoint: PIO: 14.0+/-8.2 mg/l/ 27.6+/- 14.5 mg/l, p

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of pioglitazone in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus treated in general practice settings. Design and setting: This was a postmarketing surveillance study involving 2537 primary-care physicians throughout Germany. Patients and interventions: A total of 8760 patients with type 2 diabetes were treated with pioglitazone 15 or 30mg once daily and followed for 16 weeks. Results: Treatment with pioglitazone 15 or 30mg once daily was associated with a reduction in both fasting plasma glucose (mean 50.1 mg/dL) and glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c) [mean 1.4%] compared with baseline. The proportion of patients with ‘normal’ fasting glucose levels (70–110 mg/dL) increased from 2.3% at baseline to 24.2% at the final evaluation. Pioglitazone therapy was associated with a reduction in levels of triglycerides, total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol, and an increase in levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol. The proportion of patients at high risk of developing vascular complications decreased progressively during pioglitazone therapy according to a number of parameters. Conclusions: Pioglitazone was well tolerated and effective in improving glycaemic control and lipid profiles in patients with type 2 diabetes. Pioglitazone may be effective in reducing the risk of vascular complications of diabetes.

Hypertension is frequently diagnosed in patients tance. [12] The thiazolidinedione pioglitazone targets with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Both conditions carry vascular insulin resistance in particular by improvan increased risk for cardiovascular and renal dis- ing endothelial dysfunction and inflammatory ease. [1-3] Hypertension accelerates the development processes in the arterial wall. [13,14] Clinical data of microalbuminuria and retinopathy in type 2 dia- clearly demonstrate that thiazolidinediones have betes, thus enhancing risks for vascular and renal blood pressure-lowering effects in hypertensive diacomplications. [1,3-7] Tight control of blood pressure betic and non-diabetic patients. [13,15-17] and glucose reduces progression of diabetic retino- There are numerous trials revealing a blood prespathy and deterioration in visual acuity in these sure-lowering effect of thiazolidinediones in diabetpatients. [8] Given the possibility of significant ic patients as well as in non-diabetic patients. Most co-morbidities, physicians prescribing treatments of these studies are well designed but have small that affect any of these aspects should also consider sample sizes. It is therefore important to study the their impact on other aspects. [9] effects of thiazolidinediones in larger and unThe most common approach to treating hyperten- selected populations of patients with type 2 diabetes. sion is through the use of antihypertensive drugs. The aim of this study was to investigate whether While it is recognised that certain co-morbidities treatment with pioglitazone in an unselected popularequire special attention and must be addressed (e.g. tion of patients with type 2 diabetes results in comhyperlipidaemia requires therapy with lipid-lower- parable blood pressure benefits to those reported in ing agents), the fundamental problem of insulin previous studies. resistance in hypertensive patients is rarely addressed. [10] Hyperglycaemia, central (visceral) obes- 1. Patients and Methods ity, hypertension, dyslipidaemia, hyperinsulinaemia, endothelial dysfunction and impaired fibrinolysis are found in both type 2 diabetes and hyper- This was an open, multicentre, observational tension, [9] as well as in the prediabetic state, [11] but study aimed at evaluating the effects of pioglitazone insulin resistance is the common metabolic disorder on blood pressure in a randomly selected population in patients with these two conditions. [10] of diabetic patients with arterial hypertension. The primary endpoint was change in blood pressure valThiazolidinediones (also known as glitazones)

Recent studies indicate that relaxin as well as VEGF possess cardioprotective properties. This study aimed to determine the association of relaxin with VEGF in patients with type 2 diabetes. We therefore analyzed samples from a recent study showing the benefits of anti-diabetic treatment on cardiovascular risk markers independently from glycemic control. VEGF, relaxin and markers of endothelial dysfunction, s-ICAM-1 and s-VCAM-1, were compared after 26 +/- 2 weeks of antidiabetic treatment with pioglitazone or glimepiride with their base line values. A total of 151 data sets (patients age, 62.7 +/- 8.1 years, diabetes duration, 6.8 +/- 6.6 years, 57 women, 94 men) were available for the analysis. Baseline values were in median, relaxin: 27.4 pg/mL 125% quartile 15.8; 75% quartile: 45.21, s-ICAM-1: 294 ng/mL [25% quartile: 260; 75% quartile: 331], s-VCAM-1: 677 ng/mL [25% quartile: 589; 75% quartile 871], VEGF: 350 pg/mL [25% quartile: 251; 75% quartile: 514]. Parameter variation after therapy showed a significant correlation of relaxin expression with VEGF expression (p = 0.02) in the entire study group. The correlation was seen in the subgroup of male patients (p0.01) but did not reach significance in the female patients (p = 0.71). No further correlation was observed analyzing the other investigated parameters. Our data suggest that relaxin may exert its cardioprotective action possibly via VEGF increase, particularly in men. In women, other pathways may superimpose this effect. In conclusion, our study supports the hypothesis of different regulating pathways and effects of relaxin in men and women also in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Insulin resistance and declining beta-cell function are the core defects in type 2 diabetes mellitus. It has been suggested that deteriorating glycemic control is related to baseline hemoglobin A(1c) (HbA(1c)) values and remaining beta-cell function.We report glycemic data from a 3.5-year, open-label, observational, primary care study comparing 30 mg/day pioglitazone with 3.5 mg/day glibenclamide add-on to stable metformin monotherapy in 500 patients with type 2 diabetes. Insulin commencement was considered for patients with HbA(1c)or = 8.0% or when vascular complications occurred. The change in HbA(1c) compared with baseline and the difference in time to failure to maintain glycemic control were calculated.At endpoint, HbA(1c) had decreased by 1.0% in the pioglitazone group (p0.005) and by 0.6% in the glibenclamide group (p0.05). Annual progression rates to insulin treatment were 6.6% (pioglitazone) and 16.4% (glibenclamide; p0.001 between-group difference). Mean weight increases of 3.5 +/- 0.42 kg in the pioglitazone group and 3.3 +/- 0.38 kg in the glibenclamide group were noted. Overall, both treatments were well tolerated.Pioglitazone add-on to metformin revealed significant benefits in long-term glycemic control compared with glibenclamide. This difference may be explained by a large between-group difference in HOMA-S, which was shown to correlate significantly to the change in HbA(1c). This suggests that a strategy to reduce insulin resistance to lower the burden of the beta-cell is superior to treatment with glibenclamide.

The purpose of this study was to test the safety and efficacy of pioglitazone and simvastatin in combination versus each drug individually in non-diabetic subjects with cardiovascular disease (CVD) and elevated high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels.Low-grade inflammation is a pathogenic factor for atherosclerosis. High-sensitivity CRP, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9, and plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI)-1 are markers of inflammation. Statins and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-gamma agonists lower inflammatory markers and reduce CVD in type 2 diabetes.In a 12-week, prospective, double-blind trial, 125 subjects were randomized to simvastatin or pioglitazone plus placebo or a simvastatin/pioglitazone combination. We tested changes in hs-CRP by analysis of covariance. A subgroup analysis was performed in patients with and without the metabolic syndrome (MetS). The correlation between changes in hs-CRP and homeostasis model assessment (HOMA; a measure of insulin resistance) was calculated with the Spearman's rank test.At baseline, there were no significant between-group differences. At 12 weeks, pioglitazone and simvastatin monotherapies significantly reduced hs-CRP (3.64 +/- 2.42 mg/l to 2.48 +/- 1.77 mg/l and 3.26 +/- 2.02 mg/l to 2.81 +/- 2.11 mg/l) and the combination regimen had an additive effect (from 3.49 +/- 1.97 mg/l to 2.06 +/- 1.42 mg/l, p0.001). For subgroups, the difference between monotherapy and combination therapy was only significant for simvastatin versus simvastatin plus pioglitazone in patients without MetS. Homeostasis model assessment decreased in those receiving pioglitazone, and the correlation between changes in HOMA and hs-CRP was significant (r = 0.43; p0.05). The PAI-1 decreased significantly in the pioglitazone groups only, and MMP-9 was also significantly lowered in the pioglitazone groups. No treatment-related serious adverse events occurred in any group.Pioglitazone, probably by reducing insulin resistance, has additive anti-inflammatory effects to simvastatin in non-diabetic subjects with CVD and high hs-CRP.

The study was performed to investigate the effect of improving metabolic control with pioglitazone in comparison to glimepiride on microvascular function in patients with diabetes mellitus type 2.A total of 179 patients were recruited and randomly assigned to one treatment group. Metabolic control (HbA1c), insulin resistance (HOMA index), and microvascular function (laser Doppler fluxmetry) were observed at baseline and after 3 and 6 months.HbA1c improved in both treatment arms (pioglitazone: 7.52 +/- 0.85% to 6.71 +/- 0.89%, p.0001; glimepiride: 7.44 +/- 0.89% to 6.83 +/- 0.85%, p.0001). Insulin-resistance decreased significantly in the pioglitazone group (6.15 +/- 4.05 to 3.85 +/- 1.92, p.0001) and remained unchanged in the glimepiride group. The microvascular response to heat significantly improved in both treatment groups (pioglitazone 48.5 [15.2; 91.8] to 88.8 [57.6; 124.1] arbitrary units [AU], p.0001; glimepiride 53.7 [14.1; 91.9] to 87.9 [52.9, 131.0] AU, p.0001, median [lower and upper quartile]). Endothelial function as measured with the acetylcholine response improved in the pioglitazone group (38.5 [22.2; 68.0] to 60.2 [36.9; 82.8], p = .0427) and remained unchanged in the glimepiride group.Improving metabolic control has beneficial effects in microvascular function in type 2 diabetic patients. Treatment of type 2 diabetic patients with pioglitazone exerts additional effects on endothelial function beyond metabolic control.

New scores and biochemical markers have recently been published for diagnosis of insulin resistance and beta-cell dysfunction (such as intact proinsulin, adiponectin, IRISII-score). One goal of this 6-month prospective controlled study was to evaluate the impact of pioglitazone (45 mg) vs. glimepiride (1-6 mg, in the intend to optimize therapy) on these markers. Observation parameters were: IRIS-II score, HOMA-score, ATP III score, HbA (1c), fasting glucose, lipids, intact proinsulin, adiponectin, and adverse events. The study was completed by 173 patients (66 female, 107 male, age +/- STD: 63 +/- 8 years, disease duration: 7.2 +/- 7.2 years, HbA (1c): 7.53 +/- 0.85 %, pioglitazone arm: 89 patients). The groups were not different for any of the observation parameters at baseline, and a similar reduction in HbA (1c) was seen in both groups (p < 0.001). In the pioglitazone group, reductions were observed for the IRIS-II and HOMA scores (p < 0.001 vs. glimepiride at endpoint) fasting glucose (p < 0.001), insulin (p < 0.001), LDL/HDL ratio (p < 0.001), hsCRP (p < 0.05), intact proinsulin (p < 0.001), and an increase was seen in HDL (p < 0.001), adiponectin (p < 0.001) and BMI (p < 0.001). In conclusion, treatment with pioglitazone resulted in an improvement of markers for insulin resistance and beta-cell dysfunction, independent from blood glucose control. Adiponectin, intact proinsulin, and the IRIS-II score may be suitable parameters for monitoring of these additional beneficial therapeutic effects.

The role of intact proinsulin and adiponectin in endothelial dysfunction and insulin resistance has been receiving increasing attention. This study investigates the effect of PPARgamma stimulation or beta-cell stimulation on metabolic and vascular parameters in patients with type 2 diabetes. In our study, 173 type 2 diabetic patients were recruited and randomly assigned to pioglitazone 45 mg or glimepiride 1 - 6 mg treatment. Intima media thickness of the carotid artery, glycemic control, insulin resistance, adiponectin and intact proinsulin levels were assessed at baseline and after six months of treatment. Despite similar improvements in metabolic control (HbA (1c) after 24 weeks: - 0.8 +/- 0.9% [pioglitazone] vs. - 0.6 +/- 0.8% [glimepiride]; mean +/- SD; p < 0.0001, respectively), improvements in intima media thickness (- 0.033 +/- 0.052 mm; p < 0.0001), proinsulin intact (- 5.92 +/- 10.04 pmol/l; p < 0.0001), adiponectin (10.9 +/- 6.3 microg/ml; p < 0.0001) and HOMA score (- 2.21 +/- 3.40; p < 0.0001) were observed by pioglitazone but not glimepiride treatment. Reduction in intima media thickness was correlated with improved insulin sensitivity (r = 0.29; p = 0.0003), and proinsulin intact levels (r = 0.22; p = 0.006), while an inverse correlation was found with adiponectin levels (r = - 0.37; p < 0.0001). Measurement of adiponectin and intact proinsulin enables characterization of the metabolic situation and an estimation of atherosclerotic risk in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Worsening glycaemic control in type 2 diabetes mellitus relates to a decline in beta-cell function, associated with impaired negative feedback regulation of insulin release. Insulin resistance, the 'traditional' cornerstone defect of type 2 diabetes, leads to an array of adverse effects on beta cells, including hypertrophy, apoptosis and those caused by lipotoxicity and glucotoxicity. In particular, increased levels of free fatty acids and their metabolites are thought to diminish both insulin synthesis and glucose-stimulated insulin secretion. Thiazolidinediones are synthetic peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma agonists that decrease insulin resistance but, as in vitro and in vivo studies suggest, may have direct beneficial effects on pancreatic beta cells. Troglitazone, for example, demonstrated improvements in insulin secretory capacity in isolated pancreatic islets from Wistar rats and a hamster beta-cell line. In vivo studies reveal thiazolidinediones promote beta-cell survival and regranulation as well as maintenance of beta-cell mass and reduction in amyloid deposition. Clinical evidence for thiazolidinediones is largely derived from comparative trials, mainly against sulfonylureas and metformin. Data at 2 years from a number of trials are now available and establish the positive effects of thiazolidinediones on glycaemic control. Empirical evidence showing decreases in fasting plasma insulin levels with pioglitazone and rosiglitazone indicate thiazolidinediones also improve insulin sensitivity. A possible effect of thiazolidinediones on normalising asynchronous insulin secretion, as assessed in a short-term placebo-controlled study, is less established. However, recent and ongoing clinical studies are focusing attention on verifying animal and other data, which support the notion that thiazolidinediones have beneficial effects on beta-cell function. These clinical studies have shown thiazolidinediones capable of preventing or delaying the development of type 2 diabetes in a high-risk population; restoring the first-phase insulin response; and improving secretory responses to oscillations in plasma glucose levels. Many of these effects appear to be independent of improvements in insulin sensitivity. Other research efforts are examining the potential cardiovascular protective effects of thiazolidinediones. Available data imply thiazolidinediones are associated with cardiovascular risk reduction, although results from large, clinical outcome trials, currently in progress, are still needed. Improved understanding of the role that declining beta-cell function has in the development of type 2 diabetes has drawn attention to the need for hypoglycaemic agents that can address this process. Emerging evidence suggests thiazolidinediones offer specific benefits for preventing or delaying the decline in beta-cell function and, thereby, a substrate for early intervention efforts aimed at lowering the worldwide burden of type 2 diabetes.

This study was performed to assess whether the anti-inflammatory and antiatherogenic effects of pioglitazone suggested by animal experiments are reproducible in man and independent from improvements in metabolic control.Type 2 diabetes is associated with increased cardiovascular risk.A total of 192 patients were enrolled into a six-month, prospective, open-label, controlled clinical study. They were randomized to receive either pioglitazone (45 mg) or glimepiride (1 to 6 mg, with the intent to optimize therapy). Biochemical and clinical markers to assess therapeutic effects included HbA1c, fasting glucose, insulin, adiponectin, lipids, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), intracellular adhesion molecule, vascular cell adhesion molecule, vascular endothelial growth factor, fibrinogen, von Willebrand factor, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9, monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)-1, soluble CD40 ligand, and carotid intima-media thickness (IMT).The study was completed by 173 patients (66 female, 107 male; age [+/- SD]: 63 +/- 8 years; disease duration: 7.2 +/- 7.2 years; HbA1c: 7.5 +/- 0.9%; pioglitazone arm: 89 patients). A comparable reduction in HbA1c was seen in both groups (p0.001). In the pioglitazone group, reductions were observed for glucose (p0.001 vs. glimepiride group at end point), insulin (p0.001), low-density lipoprotein/high-density lipoprotein ratio (p0.001), hsCRP (p0.05), MMP-9 (p0.05), MCP-1 (p0.05), and carotid IMT (p0.001), and an increase was seen in high-density lipoprotein (p0.001) and adiponectin (p0.001). Spearman ranks analysis revealed only one correlation between the reduction in cardiovascular risk parameters and the improvement in the metabolic parameters (MMP-9 and fasting blood glucose, p0.05)This prospective study gives evidence of an anti-inflammatory and antiatherogenic effect of pioglitazone versus glimepiride. This effect is independent from blood glucose control and may be attributed to peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma activation.