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. 2007 Dec;3(6):967–973.

A review of thiazolidinediones and metformin in the treatment of type 2 diabetes with focus on cardiovascular complications

Molavi Behzad 1, Rassouli Negah 2, Bagwe Suveer 1, Rasouli Neda 2
PMCID: PMC2350137  PMID: 18200815

Abstract

The rising incidence of obesity and insulin resistance to epidemic proportions has closely paralleled the surge in the prevalence of diabetes and outpaced therapeutic advances in diabetes prevention and treatment. Current evidence points to obesity induced oxidative stress and chronic inflammation as the common denominators in the evolution of insulin resistance and diabetes. Of all the hypoglycemic agents in the pharmacological arsenal against diabetes, thiazolidinediones, in particular pioglitazone, as well as metformin appear to have additional effects in ameliorating oxidative stress and inflammation; rendering them attractive tools for prevention of insulin resistance and diabetes. In addition to their hypoglycemic and lipid modifying properties, pioglitazone and metformin have been shown to exert anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory effects in vascular beds, potentially slowing the accelerated atherosclerosis in diabetes, which is the major cause of morbidity and mortality in the affected population. The combination of pioglitazone and metformin would thus appear to be an effective pharmacological intervention in prevention and treatment of diabetes. Finally, this review will address the currently available evidence on diabetic cardiomyopathy and the potential role of combination therapy with pioglitazone and metformin.

Keywords: insulin resistance, oxidative stress, inflammation, pioglitazone, metformin, atherosclerosis, diabetic cardiomyopathy

Introduction

The recent escalation of obesity from an individual health problem to a major public health issue reaching epidemic proportions has drawn attention to a constellation of abnormalities (abdominal obesity, hypertension, dyslipidemia) collectively referred to as metabolic syndrome. As an indicator of insulin resistance and a harbinger of diabetes, this syndrome has been associated with major cardiovascular mortality and morbidity (Galassi et al 2006). The surge in the prevalence of diabetes to epidemic proportions around the world has followed the same trends as the obesity and metabolic syndrome. The current global prevalence of type 2 DM is approximately 150 million with a predicted increase to 215 million by 2010 and 300 million by 2025 reported by CDC (2006). Therefore, it would seem intuitive to blame excess body weight and excess adipose tissue mass for causing insulin resistance and diabetes. Yet, the exact pathophysiological events leading to the development of diabetes or cardiovascular disease in metabolic syndrome remain unknown. This review aims to go over the current literature on the pathogenesis of diabetes and effects of two different insulin sensitizers, on the treatment of diabetes and cardiovascular complications of diabetes.

Pathogenesis of insulin resistance and diabetes

Subjects with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) are characterized by chronic insulin resistance with poor β-cell compensation. Although there is much descriptive information on the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes (T2DM), the underlying mechanisms remain unknown. The initial pathophysiologic event is usually insulin resistance associated with obesity and a sedentary lifestyle. Along with the development of insulin resistance, insulin secretory decompensation develops, leading to impaired glucose tolerance, and eventually T2DM (Martin et al 1992). It is not well understood why obesity causes insulin resistance. However, the hypotheses linking obesity to insulin resistance generally fall into the following categories: inflammation, lipotoxicity, oxidative stress and endoplasmic reticulum stress.

Obesity is associated with increased accumulation of macrophages in adipose tissues and increased levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (Di Gregorio et al 2005). In addition, obesity results in excess lipid accumulation not only in adipose tissue but also in tissues such as the liver, skeletal muscle, heart and pancreas (Unger 2003). There is a strong correlation between intramyocellular fat content (IMCL) and insulin resistance (Perseghin et al 1999; Friedman 2002). Ectopic lipid accumulation with resultant functional impairment has been called lipotoxicity, a pathophysiologic event preceding diabetes (Friedman 2002). Increased level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) has been also known as a culprit in the pathogenesis of insulin resistance and diabetic complications (Petersen et al 2004; Schrauwen and Hesselink 2004; Houstis et al 2006; Mehta et al 2006). Insulin resistance and diabetes are associated with disruption and uncoupling of several key oxidative reactions that result in excessive production of ROS at mitochondrial and cellular levels (Nishikawa et al 2000). Increased production of reactive oxygen species in mitochondria, accumulation of mitochondrial DNA damage, and progressive respiratory chain dysfunction are associated with atherosclerosis or cardiomyopathy in human investigations and animal models of oxidative stress (Mehta et al 2006; Madamanchi and Runge 2007). More recently, obesity-induced endoplasmic reticulum stress (increased unfolded protein response due to the disruption of the smooth operation of endoplasmic reticulum) has been demonstrated to result in peripheral insulin resistance (Hotamisligil 2005). Lipotoxicity, oxidative stress and endoplasmic reticulum stress are associated with activation of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), chronic inflammation and insulin resistance (Figure 1). Interventions aimed at modulating any of the above mentioned pathways are potential therapies for diabetes and its complications.

Figure 1.

Figure 1

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Diabetes is characterized by decompensated insulin secretion for insulin resistance at target organs including adipose tissue, liver and muscle. Insulin resistance is associated with increased proinflammatory cytokines. Inflammatory pathways in insulin resistance can be initiated by extracellular mediators such as cytokines and free fatty acid (FFA) or by intracellular stresses such as ER stress, excess ROS production by mitochondria or lipotoxicity. Activation of NF-κB pathway leads to induction of chemokines that recruit inflammatory cells, such as macrophages. (FFA Free fatty acid, ER Endoplasmic reticulum, DAG diacylglycerol, LCFA long chain fatty acid, IR insulin receptor).

Pharmaceutical intervention to relieve insulin resistance (insulin sensitizers)

Because insulin resistance is the key feature of type 2 diabetes, much drug development has been focused on insulin sensitizers. At present, two classes of drugs are used as insulin sensitizers: biguanides (metformin), and thiazolidinediones (rosiglitazone and pioglitazone). The mechanism of action of these drugs is not well understood. Metformin is relatively more active in the suppression of hepatic glucose production (DeFronzo et al 1991; Stumvoll et al 1995), and thiazolidinediones are more active in stimulation of muscle glucose uptake (Nolan et al 1994; Yki-Jarvinen 2004).

Metformin

Metformin is the only biguanide available in the U.S. and it is one of the most commonly used anti-diabetic medications. Several studies have demonstrated improved peripheral insulin sensitivity following metformin treatment in diabetic patients (Widen et al 1992; Velazquez et al 1994; Dorella et al 1996; Li et al 1999; Moghetti et al 2000). In one study, metformin produced an improvement in basal, but not insulin stimulated, glucose transport, and no effect on insulin secretion (Morel et al 1999) yet in another study, metformin did not have any effect on peripheral insulin sensitivity (Rasouli et al 2005). The improvement in insulin sensitivity by metformin was less than that observed with thiazolidinedione in a recent study in diabetic patients receiving a sulfonylurea (Kim et al 2002; Rasouli et al 2005). Hence, the data suggest that metformin has a primary action on hepatic glucose production, either through direct activation of insulin receptor (Gunton et al 2003) or inhibition of key enzymes in the gluconeogentic pathways (Cusi et al 1996; Dorella et al 1996). Recent studies have shown that metformin stimulated AMP kinase activity (Zhou et al 2001), and enhanced the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma coactivator-1alpha (PGC-1α) expression (Suwa et al 2006). Both AMP kinase and PGC are major regulators of fatty acid oxidation; hence, metfomin might improve lipotoxicity. Indeed metformin decreased muscle fat content in diabetic subjects (Mathieu-Costello et al 2003), however, we did not detect any change in IMCL in our study, with metformin (Rasouli et al 2005). Metformin has also favorable effects on some inflammatory markers such as CRP levels. However, the effect of thiazolidinedione or weight loss on lowering CRP was more pronounced (Chu et al 2002; The Diabetes Prevention Program Research Group 2005). We have previously reported no change in plasma levels of TNFα or adiponectin in subject with impaired glucose tolerance after treatment with metformin for 10 weeks, however, resistin level decreased significantly in that study (Rasouli et al 2006). In addition, metformin did not change the number of adipose tissue macrophages as markers of inflammation (Bodles et al 2006; Di Gregorio et al 2005).

The impact of metformin on oxidative stress has also been investigated in several studies. It has been shown that metformin can quench the surge in reactive oxidant species in insulin resistance and diabetes. In a study by Rosen et al on Goto-Kakizaki (GK) rat model of type 2 diabetes, Metformin was noted to ameliorate mitochondrial oxidative stress as demonstrated by a reduction in mitochondrial aconitase activity. In addition, metformin prevented the rise in oxidized proteins (carbonyl moieties) and lipid peroxides that are usually observed in this model of type 2 diabetes (Rosen and Wiernsperger 2006). Furthermore, metformin has been shown to reduce ROS levels in human leukocytes by either directly scavenging the free radicals or modulating their intracellular production (Bonnefont-Rousselot et al 2003).

Thiazolidinediones

The thiazolidinedione derivatives, pioglitazone and rosiglitazone, are synthetic ligands for peroxisome proliferative-activated receptorγ (PPARγ) which improve insulin sensitivity. PPARγ is mainly expressed in adipose tissue; however, improved insulin sensitivity is a function that primarily involves glucose transport into skeletal muscle. This effect is poorly understood, but it is thought to be due to redistribution of lipid from ectopic sites to subcutaneous adipose tissue. PPARγ agonists promote adipocyte differentiation, and they promote FFA uptake and storage in subcutaneous adipose rather than visceral adipose tissue or ectopic sites (muscle or liver) (Bajaj et al 2003; Rasouli et al 2005). In addition to the favorable effect on lipotoxicity, we have previously reported that thiazolidinediones decreased inflammatory responses in insulin resistance (Di Gregorio et al 2005; Bodles et al 2006) by reducing the number of adipose tissue macrophage. Pioglitazone promotes apoptosis in adipose tissue macrophages along with improvement in insulin sensitivity (Bodles et al 2006). PPAR ligands have been shown to regulate inflammatory cytokines like TNFα, CRP, PAI and adiponectin as well (Chu et al 2002; Yki-Jarvinen 2004; Rasouli et al 2005, 2006). Thiazolidinediones have also been shown to exert potent antioxidant effects. In a study by Hwang and colleagues, rosiglitazone reduced NADPH oxidase activity and superoxide ion O2− generation in the vascular tissues obtained from obese, diabetic, leptin receptor-deficient (db(−)/db(−)) mice (Hwang et al 2007). Similarly, pioglitazone has been found to reduce superoxide ion O2− generation in human coronary artery endothelial cells (Mehta et al 2003).

Cardiovascular complications of diabetes

Cardiovascular disease is the major cause of mortality and morbidity in diabetes and is usually due to atherosclerosis in the coronary, cerebral and other peripheral vascular beds (Tziakas et al 2005; Pambianco et al 2006). Yet, myocardial dysfunction in the absence of epicardial coronary atherosclerosis has also been described and accounts for some cases of congestive heart failure in diabetics (Rubler et al 1972).

Accelerated atherosclerosis in diabetes

Several lines of evidence point to endothelial dysfunction and loss of endothelial vasoreactivity as one of the initial events in atherosclerotic plaque formation (Davignon and Ganz 2004). The dysfunctional endothelium subsequently expresses a host of cell surface receptors including intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and vascular adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) as well as receptors for oxidized lipid particles such as leptin-like oxLDL receptor (LOX-1) which facilitate inflammatory cell recruitment and oxidized LDL transport to the intimal layer. The ingestion of oxidized lipid particles by these cells results in further activation of inflammatory cells and release of cytokines and growth factors which perpetuate the vicious cycle of inflammation, cell recruitment, lipid particle ingestion and growth; ultimately leading to an atherosclerotic plaque. The acceleration of this process in diabetes could be attributed to several potential mechanisms. There is growing evidence that excessive ROS formation in diabetes leads to endothelial dysfunction (Vincent and Taylor 2006). The first evidence of endothelial dysfunction in human type 1 and type 2 diabetes were reported from examination of penile corpura cavernosa (Saenz de Tejada et al 1989). Subsequent studies confirmed loss of endothelial vasoreactivity in other vascular beds including coronary arteries (Nitenberg et al 1993). Although the exact mechanism of endothelial dysfunction in diabetics has not been elucidated, several studies point to reduced NO bioavailability and that tight glycemic control can improve endothelial reactivity (Rodriguez-Manas et al 2003). Our laboratory data indicates that increased ROS induces LOX-1 expression which not only facilitates ox-LDL incorporation into endothelium but also enhances expression of adhesion molecules ICAM-1 and VCAM (Li and Mehta 2000; Chen et al 2001; Li et al 2003). The dyslipidemic milieu of diabetes ensures a continued flux, oxidation and uptake of LDL particles into the eventual atherosclerotic plaque.

Effects of thiazolidinediones and metformin in decelerating atherosclerotic plaque formation in diabetes

Thiazolidiones and in particular pioglitazone have been shown to improve endothelial function in diabetes. In a randomized controlled trial, Martens and colleagues demonstrated that four weeks of therapy with pioglitazone improves shear stress-induced flow mediated vasodilation (an endothelial dependent phenomenon) of brachial artery in patients with type 2 diabetes with no effect on endothelium independent vasodilation (Martens et al 2005). In addition, pioglitazone has also been shown to reduce LOX-1 as well as VCAM expression which can potentially prevent plaque formation (Imamoto et al 1920; Mehta et al 2003). The metabolic effects of pioglitazone in improving insulin sensitivity, reducing blood glucose, LDL, triglyceride and certain inflammatory mediators such as C-reactive protein levels further modulates the substrate for plaque formation and halts atheroma progression (Berhanu et al 2006; Szapary et al 2006). Metformin has also been noted to effectively reduce oxidative stress through inhibition of the PKC and NADPH oxidase pathways (Ouslimani et al 2005; Mahrouf et al 2006). While reducing the oxidative stress burden, metformin can ultimately improve endothelial function (De et al 2005). Metformin has also been shown to exert antiproliferative effects on vascular smooth muscle cells through inhibition of PKC pathway which can also slow the pace of plaque formation (Li et al 2005). Several human studies have indeed indicated that macrovascular complications of diabetes are reduced by metformin (Johnson et al 2005). Given the evidence, it appears that thiazolidinediones and metformin modulate endothelial function and plaque formation through distinctly separate pathways rendering their combination an attractive agent in decelerating diabetic atherosclerosis.

Diabetic cardiomypcarthy and cardiac lipotoxicity

Approximately 34 years ago, Rubler and colleagues reported a series of four diabetic patients with congestive heart failure, normal epicardial coronary arteries and no other known causes of congestive heart failure in association with diabetic glomerulosclerosis (Rubler et al 1972). This new entity termed diabetic cardiomyopathy is frequently associated with diastolic dysfunction, left ventricular hypertrophy and fibrosis (Di Bonito et al 1996). Subsequent attempts in elucidating the putative mechanisms in animal models indicated a direct correlation between myocardial fat content and systolic and diastolic dysfunction. In a transgenic mice model which over expressed long chain Acyl-CO A synthase (ACS), Chiu and Schaffer were able to demonstrate dilated cardiomyopathy by sequential echocardiography along with excessive triglyceride accumulation in cardiomyocytes by both light and electron microscopy (Chiu et al 2001). In addition, incubation of cardiomyocytes with long-chain fatty acids resulted in DNA fragmentation and cardiomyocyte apoptosis (Kong and Rabkin 2000). The obese (fa/fa) rat which develops diabetes with aging is the closest animal model to human metabolic syndrome. A recent study by Zhao and colleagues demonstrated that the obese (fa/fa) rats will accumulate significantly higher amounts of cardiac triglycerides as early as 7 weeks of age as compared to the normal lean rats. Further evaluation of myocardial performance by echocardiography at 20 weeks of age revealed a dilated cardiomypoathy along with systolic and diastolic dysfunction in the obese (fa/fa) rats while the lean rats maintained the normal cardiac function at 20 weeks in this study (Zhou et al 2000). Despite these well-described animal models of myocardial lipotoxicity, the prevalence and mechanisms of cardiac lipotoxicity in humans remain unknown.

Effects of thiazolidinediones and metformin on diabetic cardiomyopathy

Animal studies indicate that pioglitazone can prevent diastolic dysfunction in advanced diabetes by improving myocardial fatty acid metabolism (Kim et al 2003). While these studies supported the cardiac lipotoxicity hypothesis and pointed to an emerging potential therapy, early use of thiazolidinediones in humans was associated with several reports of fluid retention and exacerbation of congestive heart failure (CHF) (Kermani and Garg 2003; Cheng and Fantus 2004). A large multicenter clinical trial on 16,000 individuals with CHF aimed to assess potential benefits of pioglitazone in preventing complications of diabetes yielded mixed results; indicating that the favorable effects of pioglitaozne in reducing mortality are offset by increased number of hospital admissions for CHF exacerbations (Dormandy et al 2005). Therefore, further clinical studies are needed to elucidate the role of Thiazolidinediones in diabetic cardiomyopathy. Similarly, the initial concerns that metformin can cause lactic acidosis in patients with diabetes and congestive heart failure were revisited in a large retrospective study of over 12,000 patients (Eurich et al 2005). This study indicated that metformin alone or in combination therapy is associated with lower morbidity and mortality in patients with heart failure and type 2 diabetes as compared to sulfonylureas (Eurich et al 2005).

Summary and future directions

The increasing incidence of diabetes has paralleled the epidemic of obesity and insulin resistance. The exact mechanism(s) linking obesity to insulin resistance and diabetes remain to be explored but the evidence points to the three axes of oxidative stress, lipotoxicity and ER stress. Given the multiple putative pathways involved in the pathogenesis of diabetes and its complications, the treatment of this condition calls for simultaneous disruption of such pathologic phenomena. Therefore, it is anticipated that combination therapy with two or more agents will surpass the currently accepted indication of achieving optimal glucose control and expand to include most patients with diabetes. Pioglitazone and metformin are two insulin sensitizers with different mechanisms of action and distinctly separate effects on oxidative stress and lipotoxicity rendering their combination a potentially powerful tool in treating diabetes. In addition, the favorable effects of pioglitazone on endothelial function and cell surface receptor expression are in synergy with some of the anti-atherosclerotic effects of metformin; thus rendering combination therapy an attractive tool against accelerated atherosclerosis of diabetes.

Acknowledgments

This work was supported by the Research Service of the Department of Veterans Affairs through VA Merit Review grant to NR, and by grant M01RR14288 from National Center for Research Resources (National Institutes of Health) to the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences to fund the General Clinical Research Center.

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