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Impact of thiazolidenediones on serum lipoprotein levels

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Abstract

The thiazolidinediones, acting through peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ), affect multiple areas of metabolism. Of increasing importance is the recognition that these agents affect lipoprotein metabolism and cause changes in serum lipid and lipoprotein levels. All three thiazolidinediones, including troglitazone (which was withdrawn in the year 2000), rosiglitazone, and pioglitazone, tend to increase highdensity lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, increase the size/decrease the density of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) particles, and raise the level of lipoprotein(a). In addition, troglitazone and pioglitazone, but not rosiglitazone, lower triglyceride levels modestly, thereby further contributing to increases in LDL and HDL size. The mechanism for these effects is still being clarified, but may involve enhancement of triglyceride clearance (in the case of pioglitazone), alteration of apolipoprotein C-III levels, reduction of hepatic lipase, and increase in ATP binding cassette A1 (ABCA1) activity. The clinical implications of these effects need further exploration.

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  1. Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, 1450 NW 10th Avenue, 33136, Miami, FL, USA

    Ronald B. Goldberg MD

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Correspondence to Ronald B. Goldberg MD.

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Goldberg, R.B. Impact of thiazolidenediones on serum lipoprotein levels. Curr Atheroscler Rep 8, 397–404 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11883-006-0037-5

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