BACKGROUND:Pioglitazone added to successful statin therapy may be beneficial for coronary artery disease (CAD) patients without diabetes mellitus. METHODS AND RESULTS:Fourteen individuals optimally treated with statin for >6 months were randomized to a pioglitazone or control group. Pioglitazone significantly improved insulin resistance, reduced high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, increased high-molecular-weight adiponectin and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. Ultrasound echogenicity of carotid atheroma assessed by integrated backscatter was significantly increased by pioglitazone and correlated with adiponectin levels. CONCLUSION: Adding pioglitazone to successful statin therapy may be an effective therapeutic strategy for patients with CAD.
RCT Entities:
BACKGROUND:Pioglitazone added to successful statin therapy may be beneficial for coronary artery disease (CAD) patients without diabetes mellitus. METHODS AND RESULTS: Fourteen individuals optimally treated with statin for >6 months were randomized to a pioglitazone or control group. Pioglitazone significantly improved insulin resistance, reduced high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, increased high-molecular-weight adiponectin and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. Ultrasound echogenicity of carotid atheroma assessed by integrated backscatter was significantly increased by pioglitazone and correlated with adiponectin levels. CONCLUSION: Adding pioglitazone to successful statin therapy may be an effective therapeutic strategy for patients with CAD.