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Pioglitazone decreases plasma angiotensin II concentration in type 2 diabetes

Atsuhito Saiki1, Masahiro Ohira, Kei Endo

  • 1Center of Diabetes, Endocrine and Metabolism, Toho University Sakura Medical Center, Chiba 285-8741, Japan.

Journal of Atherosclerosis and Thrombosis
|May 15, 2010
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Pioglitazone treatment in type 2 diabetes patients significantly reduced plasma angiotensin II (AII) and improved insulin sensitivity, indicated by increased lipoprotein lipase mass (LPL mass). This suggests pioglitazone may suppress the adipocyte renin-angiotensin system (RAS).

Area of Science:

  • Endocrinology
  • Metabolic Syndrome
  • Cardiovascular Research

Background:

  • Adipocytes possess the renin-angiotensin system (RAS), influencing differentiation and metabolism.
  • Plasma angiotensin II (AII) may reflect adipocyte RAS activity.
  • Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is associated with metabolic dysregulation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the impact of pioglitazone on plasma AII levels in T2D patients.
  • To explore the relationship between pioglitazone, plasma AII, and insulin sensitivity markers.

Main Methods:

  • A randomized controlled trial involving 50 Japanese T2D patients over 16 weeks.
  • Participants received either 30 mg/day pioglitazone or no treatment (control).
  • Measurements included HbA1c, plasma AII, and serum lipoprotein lipase mass (LPL mass).

Main Results:

  • Pioglitazone significantly decreased HbA1c, increased LPL mass, and reduced plasma AII.
  • The control group showed no significant changes in these parameters.
  • A negative correlation was observed between changes in plasma AII and LPL mass in the pioglitazone group.

Conclusions:

  • Pioglitazone treatment effectively lowers plasma AII in T2D patients.
  • The observed decrease in plasma AII is associated with improved insulin sensitivity (increased LPL mass).
  • Pioglitazone's insulin-sensitizing effects may involve the suppression of adipocyte RAS.

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