Benefit of adding Pioglitazone to successful statin therapy in nondiabetic patients with coronary artery disease

Abstract

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. (Circ J 2008; 72: 1193-1197).