Effects of the PPARγ agonist pioglitazone on coronary atherosclerotic plaque composition and plaque progression in non-diabetic patients: a double-center, randomized controlled VH-IVUS pilot-trial

Research output: Contribution to journalResearch articleContributedpeer-review

Contributors

  • Marian Christoph - , Heart Center Dresden University Hospital (Author)
  • Joerg Herold - , Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg (Author)
  • Anna Berg-Holldack - , Heart Center Dresden University Hospital (Author)
  • Thomas Rauwolf - , Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg (Author)
  • Tjalf Ziemssen - , Department of Neurology (Author)
  • Alexander Schmeisser - , Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg (Author)
  • Sönke Weinert - , Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg (Author)
  • Bernd Ebner - , Heart Center Dresden University Hospital (Author)
  • Samir Said - , Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg (Author)
  • Ruth H. Strasser - , Heart Center Dresden University Hospital (Author)
  • Ruediger C. Braun-Dullaeus - , Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg (Author)

Abstract

Despite the advanced therapy with statins, antithrombotics and antihypertensive agents, the medical treatment of coronary artery disease is less than optimal. Therefore, additional therapeutic anti-atherosclerotic options are desirable. This VH-IVUS study (intravascular ultrasonography with virtual histology) was performed to assess the potential anti-atherogenic effect of the PPARγ agonist pioglitazone in non-diabetic patients. A total of 86 non-culprit atherosclerotic lesions in 54 patients with acute coronary syndrome were observed in a 9-month prospective, double-blind, and placebo-controlled IVUS study. Patients were randomized to receive either 30 mg pioglitazone (Pio) or placebo (Plac). As primary efficacy parameter, the change of relative plaque content of necrotic core was determined by serial VH-IVUS analyses. Main secondary endpoint was the change of total plaque volume. In contrast to placebo, in the pioglitazone-treated group, the relative plaque content of necrotic core decreased significantly (Pio −1.3 ± 6.9 % vs. Plac +2.6 ± 6.5 %, p < 0.01). In comparison to the placebo group, the plaques in pioglitazone-treated patients showed significantly greater reduction of the total plaque volume (Pio −16.1 ± 26.4 mm3 vs. Plac −1.8 ± 30.9 mm3, p = 0.02). Treatment with a PPARγ agonist in non-diabetic patients results in a coronary artery plaque stabilization on top of usual medical care.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)286-295
Number of pages10
JournalHeart and Vessels
Volume30
Issue number3
Publication statusPublished - 1 May 2015
Peer-reviewedYes

External IDs

PubMed 24519403

Keywords

Sustainable Development Goals

Keywords

  • Atherosclerotic plaque progression, atherosclerotic plaque composition, Cardiovascular disease, Intravascular ultrasonography, Thiazolidinediones