A Study for Pre-diabetic Patients With Cholesterol Lowering Drugs

Effects of Simvastatin and Rosiglitazone Combination in Patients With the Metabolic Syndrome.

The purpose of this research study is to examine if a combination of a cholesterol lowering-drug, simvastatin, with a sugar-lowering drug called rosiglitazone is more effective in improving vascular inflammation (irritation of the vessels that transport your blood) and other cardiovascular risk factors than the taking of simvastatin alone.

Age 21-75 years Metabolic syndrome (must have 3 of the 5 components) elevated waist circumference >40inches in men, >35 inches in women elevated triglycerides >150mg/dL reduced HDL <40mg/dL in men<50 in women elevated blood pressure >130mmHg systolic, or >85mmHg diastolic elevated fasting glucose >100mg/dL

Inclusion Criteria:

• 21-75 years
• Metabolic syndrome (3 of the 5 components)
• Elevated waist circumference >40inches in men, >35inches in women
• Elevated triglycerides >150mg/dL
• Reduced HDL <40mg/dL in men, <50mg/dL in women
• Elevated blood pressure >130mmHg systolic, >85mmHg diastolic
• Elevated fasting glucose >100mg/dL

Exclusion Criteria:

• Diabetes mellitus
• Stage 3 hypertension >180mmHg systolic, >110mmHg diastolic office blood pressure
• History of non-diabetic kidney disease
• Myocardial infarction of unstable angina within the past 6 months
• History of liver disease
• History of malignancy
• History of drug or alcohol abuse
• Treatment with corticosteroids
• Pregnancy or lactating women of women of child bearing potential who are not willing to use reliable contraception method during the study