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Pioglitazone and asthma: a review of current evidence
Georgios I Barkas1, Nikolaos D Karakousis2,3, Konstantinos I Gourgoulianis2
1Human Pathophysiology Department, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece.
Objective:
This review aims to present existing evidence on the impact of pioglitazone, a thiazolidinedione class anti-diabetic drug, on asthma control and lung function, providing a comprehensive understanding of its potential as a treatment for asthma.
Data Sources:
The review draws upon data from preclinical animal studies and clinical trials investigating the effects of pioglitazone on asthma, focusing on its role in reducing airway inflammation, hyperreactivity, and remodeling, and its impact on pulmonary function.
Study Selections:
Relevant studies were selected based on their examination of pioglitazone's therapeutic effects in asthma, including both animal models and clinical trials involving human asthma patients.
Results:
Animal studies have suggested that pioglitazone could alleviate inflammation, airway hyperreactivity, and airway remodeling, thereby improving pulmonary function in asthma. However, clinical trials have not demonstrated significant therapeutic benefits, with minimal improvements observed in asthma control and lung function, and the presence of notable side effects.
Conclusion:
Despite promising preclinical data, the efficacy of pioglitazone in treating human asthma remains unproven, with safety concerns and limited clinical benefits observed in trials. Further research is needed to assess the safety and effectiveness of pioglitazone in asthma treatment and to explore its impact on other inflammatory mechanisms.
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