Effects of Pioglitazone on Insulin and Glucose Metabolism in Women With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
Status:
Terminated
Trial end date:
2011-08-01
Target enrollment:
Participant gender:
Summary
Our hypothesis is that hyperinsulinemia increases the renal clearance of D-chiro-inositol
(DCI) in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and that this leads to a reduction in
circulating insulin-stimulated D-chiro-inositol-containing inositol phosphoglycan (DCI-IPG)
release. To assess the effects of a chronic reduction in circulating insulin on DCI
metabolism, we propose to reduce circulating insulin in obese women with PCOS by improving
insulin sensitivity with the drug pioglitazone. Pioglitazone is a thiazolidinedione that
improves peripheral insulin sensitivity, presumably by activation of the peroxisome
proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARĪ³) receptor. Administration of pioglitazone to
women with PCOS has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity, reduce insulin secretion, and
decrease both fasting and post-prandial serum insulin concentrations.