Glitazones (thiazolidinediones)

Thiazolidinediones, also known as the "-glitazones"

pioglitazone
rosiglitazone

Mechanism

bind to nuclear receptors involved in transcription of genes mediating insulin sensitivity
peroxisome proliferator-activating receptors (PPARs)

↑ insulin sensitivity in peripheral tissue
↓ gluconeogenesis
↑ insulin receptor numbers
↓ triglycerides

Clinical use

type II DM
as monotherapy or in combination with other agents
contraindicated in CHF
associated with increased risk of MI (in particular rosiglitazone)