Commentary: the PROactive study--the glass is half full.
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Biomedical subjects
Publications and source records attributed to Sunil Asnani.
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BACKGROUND: Weight gain is a frequent side-effect of thiazolidinediones, possibly related to fluid retention and stimulation of pre-adipocyte differentiation. METHODS: We report our experience with a low-calorie diet (800 cal, sodium content 1500 mmol/day) combined with behavior modification on eight patients treated with thiazolidinediones (six pioglitazone and two rosiglitazone). RESULTS: All patients had reported previous weight gain following treatment with thiazolidinediones. All patients lost weight over 12 weeks in the program with their mean +/- SD body weight falling from 270 +/- 54 lbs (123 +/- 25 kg) to 244 +/- 61 lbs (111 +/- 28 kg) (p < 0.01). The weight loss observed was no different from that observed in 16 age- and gender-matched patients with type 2 diabetes not treated with thiazolidinediones (from 263 +/- 54 lbs (120 +/- 25 kg) to 239 +/- 52 lbs (109 +/- 24 kg); p < 0.01). Glycemic control improved while reducing insulin treatment. Blood pressure control also improved and antihypertensive medications were decreased. The degree and time course of weight loss is no different from that in patients treated with other diabetic therapies and is associated with improved glycemic and blood pressure control. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that a program of caloric restriction and behavior modification is effective in leading to weight loss in patients treated with thiazolidinediones. This effect is reassuring, since thiazolidinediones stimulate adipogenesis.
The thiazolidinediones are the insulin sensitizers used in the management of Type 2 diabetes mellitus. These drugs can potentially decrease the risk of cardiovascular disease by correcting the different components of the insulin resistance syndrome.
Rosiglitazone and pioglitazone are medications from the thiazolidinedione class of compounds currently available for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Traditionally used to enhance insulin sensitivity and decrease plasma insulin levels, added applications have emerged beyond those involving glycemic control. Cardiovascular risk factors associated with insulin resistance such as elevated blood pressure, dyslipidemia, abnormal fibrinolysis, and endothelial and vascular dysfunction have been shown to improve after thiazolidinedione treatment. Therapy with rosiglitazone or pioglitazone has been found to modify vascular reactivity and other processes involved in atherosclerosis. There may be differences between the agents in their effects on plasma lipid characteristics and particle size. These agents serve as excellent adjuncts to oral and insulin therapy for patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and hold promise for the prevention of cardiovascular disease associated with the insulin resistance syndrome. Clinical trials are in progress to determine whether such therapy will lead to a reduction in cardiovascular events.