[Effects of rosiglitazone on endothelial function in non-diabetic subjects with metabolic syndrome].
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the effects of rosiglitazone (ROSI), an insulin-sensitizer, on endothelial function and endothelial activation markers in a group of non-diabetic subjects with metabolic syndrome.


METHODS
A group of eighteen subjects (12 women, 6 men), mean age 41.2 +/- 9.7 and BMI 37.8 +/- 6.1 Kg/m2, was treated with rosiglitazone 8 mg/day for 12 weeks. Another group of nine healthy subjects, mean age 26.1 +/- 4.4 and BMI 21.7 +/- 1.7 Kg/m2, was studied at baseline to compare vasodilator response. Endothelial function was evaluated by venous occlusion plethysmography after intra-arterial infusions of acetylcholine (Ach) and sodium nitroprusside (SNP). The following were measured: glucose, insulin, lipids, fibrinogen, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (CRP). HOMA and Quicki indexes were calculated to quantify insulin resistance (IR).


RESULTS
There was an improvement in insulin resistance, as evidenced by lower HOMA-R and higher QUICKI index, as well as a decrease in CRP and fibrinogen levels. Endothelium-dependent vasodilation also improved, as evidenced by greater increment in blood flow after Ach and greater decrement in vascular resistance. No difference in endothelium-independent vasodilation was noted.


CONCLUSIONS
Rosiglitazone treatment reduced insulin resistance, fibrinogen, and CRP levels and improved endothelial function in non-diabetic subjects with metabolic syndrome. These data suggest that rosiglitazone plays a role in the regulation of endothelial function in patients at high cardiovascular risk.
Bahia
Luciana
L
Laboratório de Pesquisas em Microcirculação, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, RJ. lucianabahia@uol.com.br
Aguiar
Luiz Guilherme K
LG
Villela
Nivaldo
N
Bottino
Daniel
D
Godoy-Matos
Amélio F
AF
Bouskela
Eliete
E
D000328:Adult; D015415:Biomarkers; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000209:etiology; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D004730:Endothelium, Vascular / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000503:physiopathology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D007249:Inflammation; D008297:Male; D024821:Metabolic Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D012307:Risk Factors; D000077154:Rosiglitazone; D045162:Thiazolidinediones / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014664:Vasodilation / Q000187:drug effects; D014665:Vasodilator Agents / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use
D015415:Biomarkers; D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents; D045162:Thiazolidinediones; D014665:Vasodilator Agents; D000077154:Rosiglitazone