Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma agonists: their role as vasoprotective agents in diabetes

Endocrinol Metab Clin North Am. 2006 Sep;35(3):561-74, ix. doi: 10.1016/j.ecl.2006.06.001.

Abstract

Both type 1 and type 2 diabetes melitius are associated with increased cardiovascular morbidity, and now affect more than 170 million individuals worldwide. The incidence of type 2 diabetes is growing rapidly and now accounts for 90 to 95 percent of all diabetes cases. Thiazolidinediones (TZDs) a class of insulin sensitizing agents commonly used in the treatment of patients who have type 2 diabetes, improve endothelial dysfunction and exert beneficial effects on lipid profiles by activating the nuclear receptor peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR-gamma). In addition, TZDs exhibit antiatherogenic effects, independent of their antidiabetic and lipid-lowering properties, by attenuating proinflammatory processes. The combination of increased insulin sensitivity, improved lipid profile, and reduced inflammation may explain the cardiovascular benefits of this class of drugs

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Atherosclerosis
  • Coronary Restenosis
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1 / complications
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / complications
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / drug therapy
  • Diabetic Angiopathies / prevention & control*
  • Humans
  • Hypoglycemic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Inflammation
  • Insulin Resistance
  • Obesity / complications
  • PPAR gamma / agonists*
  • PPAR gamma / physiology
  • Thiazolidinediones / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Hypoglycemic Agents
  • PPAR gamma
  • Thiazolidinediones