The effects of pioglitazone in reducing atherosclerosis progression and neointima volume in type 2 diabetic patients: prospective randomized study with volumetric intravascular ultrasonography analysis

Pioglitazone has been known for its anti-atherogenic effects. We compared the effects of pioglitazone in reducing atherosclerosis progression and neointima volume in type 2 diabetic patients. This was a prospective, randomized single-blinded, 8-month follow-up study. Patients with significant coronary artery stenosis were randomly assigned to either pioglitazone (n=19) or placebo (n=18) following zotarolimus-eluting stent (ZES) implantation. Intravascular ultrasonography of the culprit vessel was performed from 20 mm distal and proximal to the stent at baseline. and at 8-month, and volumetric analysis was performed. Changes in inflammation markers, insulin resistance and lipid profile were compared. Changes in atherosclerosis progression from baseline in the pioglitazone group was significantly lower than that of the placebo group (0.06±0.73 vs. 1.16±1.41 mm(3)/mm, p=0.024, respectively), and neointima volume was significantly lower in the pioglitazone group compared to the placebo group (1.74±0.93 vs. 2.42±1.98 mm(3)/mm, p=0.007, respectively). Homeostatic model assessment-index, interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α levels were significantly lower in the pioglitazone group at 8 months. Adiponectin levels increased significantly only in the pioglitazone group. No significant differences in retinol binding protein-4 levels between the 2 groups were seen during the 8-month follow-up period. Compared to placebo, pioglitazone was associated with significant reduction in atherosclerosis progression and neointima formation in type 2 diabetic patients with ZES implantation.