Effect of darglitazone on glucose clearance and lipid metabolism in obese cats.
OBJECTIVE
To examine the effect of darglitazone, a compound of the thiazolidinedione class, on glucose clearance and lipid metabolism in obese cats.


METHODS
18 obese and 4 lean adult neutered female cats.


METHODS
IV glucose tolerance tests with measurements of glucose, insulin, and nonesterified fatty acid (NEFA) concentrations were performed before and 42 days after daily administration of darglitazone (9 obese cats) or placebo (9 obese and 4 lean cats). Additionally, cholesterol, triglyceride, leptin, and glycosylated hemoglobin concentrations were measured.


RESULTS
Darglitazone-treated cats had significantly lower cholesterol, triglyceride, and leptin concentrations, compared with placebo-treated obese cats. A significant decrease in the area under the curve for NEFAs, glucose, and insulin during an i.v. glucose tolerance test was seen in darglitazone-treated cats. The drug was well tolerated.


CONCLUSIONS
The response of obese cats to darglitazone was similar to the response to thiazolidinediones in obese humans and rodents Darglitazone was effective in improving insulin sensitivity and glucose and lipid metabolism in obese cats.
Hoenig
Margarethe
M
Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA.
Ferguson
Duncan C
DC
D000818:Animals; D001786:Blood Glucose / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism*; D002371:Cat Diseases / Q000097:blood* / Q000188:drug therapy; D002415:Cats; D005260:Female; D005951:Glucose Tolerance Test / Q000662:veterinary; D007328:Insulin / Q000097:blood; D009765:Obesity / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000662:veterinary*; D010052:Ovariectomy; D045162:Thiazolidinediones / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D001786:Blood Glucose; D007328:Insulin; D045162:Thiazolidinediones; C089948:darglitazone