Effect of Pioglitazone on Insulin Resistance and Atherosclerosis in Renal Allograft Recipients Without Diabetes

A Randomized Controlled Trial of Pioglitazone on Insulin Resistance, Insulin Secretion and Atherosclerosis in Renal Allograft Recipients Without History of Diabetes

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of pioglitazone treatment on insulin secretion, insulin resistance, and progression of atherosclerosis in renal allograft recipients without preoperative history of diabetes.

This is a prospective, randomized, open-label study. The pioglitazone treatment group received 30mg pioglitazone at 2 weeks after renal transplantation for 12 months.

After treatment, we estimated insulin sensitivity index for transplantation,first phase and second phase insulin secretion, secretion area under the curve,and carotid intima-media thickness.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Renal allograft recipients were eligible to participate in the study if they were aged ≥ 18 years, had no previous history of organ transplantation and were not currently using steroids or other immunosuppressants.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Diabetes before transplantation
• Severe metabolic or infectious disease
• Hepatic disease
• Congestive heart failure (New York Heart Association II-IV)
• Cadaver donor kidney donor transplantation
• Unstable condition of the transplanted kidney