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Editorial
. 2009 May;49(5):1427-30.
doi: 10.1002/hep.22983.

Pioglitazone: more than just an insulin sensitizer

Mark J Czaja
Editorial

Pioglitazone: more than just an insulin sensitizer

Mark J Czaja. Hepatology. 2009 May.
No abstract available

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Figures

Fig 1
Fig 1
Biological effects of pioglitazone treatment. The primary effects of pioglitazone (dotted blue lines) are on white adipocytes and macrophages. In white adipose tissue, pioglitazone: (1) increases adipose mass and triglyceride (TG) storage leading to decreased release of free fatty acids (FFA); (2) inhibits production of proinflammatory cytokines including TNF, IL-6 and monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1); and (3) stimulates adiponectin production. Pioglitazone also directly inhibits macrophage cytokine production. Effects on the liver and skeletal muscle are secondary to those on adipocytes and macrophages. The reduction in serum FFA decreases lipid accumulation in both liver and muscle. Decreased lipid accumulation, reduced TNF levels and increased adiponectin all act to reduce liver and skeletal muscle insulin resistance. Increased insulin sensitivity results in decreased gluconeogenesis in the liver and increased glucose uptake in muscle. Changes in cytokines, adiponectin levels and/or insulin sensitivity, or an as yet undefined direct hepatic effect of pioglitazone, may increase the liver's proliferative capacity. Serum factors are shown in green.
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