Anti-Diabetic Effect of Telmisartan Through its Partial PPAR[gamma]-Agonistic Activity

Telmisartan is an angiotensin II receptor antagonist, which selectively inhibits the angiotensin II type 1 receptor. Thus, it is widely used for hypertension management. Nowadays, telmisartan's effect on peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) is gaining wider attention. PPARs are ligand-activated transcription factors that belong to the nuclear hormone receptor superfamily. Telmisartan is reported to have a partial PPAR[gamma]-agonistic effect while avoiding the safety concerns found with full PPAR[gamma] agonists (thiazolidinediones). Telmisartan could be an alternative treatment option, with dual benefit for diabetes mellitus (DM) and hypertension. This review summarizes the anti-diabetic activity of telmisartan via its partial PPAR[gamma]-agonistic activity. Keywords: diabetes mellitus, hypertension, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors, telmisartan