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Updated: Apr 25, 2026

Human Liver Microphysiological System for Assessing Drug-Induced Liver Toxicity In Vitro
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The endothelial protective effects of pioglitazone on insulin resistance in endothelial cells

Jing Jin, Hui Zeng, Ou Yang

    Clinical Laboratory
    |August 20, 2014
    PubMed
    Abstract

    Insights

    Pioglitazone enhances endothelial cell survival and reduces apoptosis in insulin resistance models. This drug may offer protective effects against vascular damage by upregulating nitric oxide synthase and nitric oxide production.

    Area of Science:

    • Endocrinology
    • Vascular Biology
    • Pharmacology

    Background:

    • Insulin resistance is a key factor in vascular endothelial damage and atherosclerosis.
    • Pioglitazone is an insulin-sensitizing agent known to mitigate insulin resistance.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To investigate the mechanisms behind pioglitazone's endothelial protective effects.
    • To examine pioglitazone's impact on a cellular model of insulin resistance and vascular endothelial cell damage.

    Main Methods:

    • Utilized a cellular model of insulin resistance.
    • Assessed the effects of pioglitazone on human umbilical vein endothelial cells (ECV).
    • Measured cell survival, apoptosis, inducible nitric oxide synthase (NOS) levels, and nitric oxide (NO) production.

    Main Results:

    • Pioglitazone significantly increased ECV survival rates and reduced apoptosis.
    • Pioglitazone treatment upregulated inducible nitric oxide synthase (NOS) levels.
    • Pioglitazone was shown to induce nitric oxide (NO) production in a dose-dependent manner (50 and 100 ng/mL).

    Conclusions:

    • Pioglitazone demonstrates significant endothelial protective effects in an insulin resistance-induced vascular endothelial cell damage model.
    • These findings suggest pioglitazone's potential for the prevention and treatment of vascular endothelial damage associated with insulin resistance.

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