[Evaluation of a thiazolidinedione compound as a new antidiabetic drug].

A thiazolidinedione compound, pioglitazone(Actos) has been used for type 2 diabetes. It ameliorates the insulin resistance of type 2 diabetes and improves hyperglycemia, resulting in the decrease of HbA1c. Pioglitazone activates the nuclear peroxisome proliferator activated receptor-gamma(PPAR gamma) which leads to increased transcription of various proteins. These proteins enhance insulin action. Another thiazolidinedione(troglitazone, Noscal) has been prohibited for description due to its idiosyncratic hepatic toxicity. Actos has never been reported to induce hepatotoxicity but has shown side effects of edema, dysfunction of the liver, and anemia, etc. Nevertheless we would like to recommend the use of Actos for type 2 diabetes mellitus in monotherapy or combination therapy with other antidiabetic drugs because of its benefits.