14.01.7 Glitazones

An example of a glitazone is pioglitazone. The glitazones stimulate the nuclear receptor peroxisome proliferation-activate receptor-γ (PPARγ), to modulate the levels of a number of proteins. This modulation leads to a reduced glucose output from liver (from glycogen), an increase in glucose uptake into muscle, and a reduced insulin resistance. All of these effects combine to decrease plasma glucose. The glitazones are active after oral administration, and are used in type 2 diabetes. The major adverse effects of the glitazones are weight gain, oedema and anaemia. Hypoglycemia is not usually a problem with the glitazones.