Insulin resistance, along with loss of function of the vascular wall and inflammation, are already present before the onset of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Because traditional risk factors like obesity, abnormal lipid metabolism, high blood pressure, and diabetes mellitus often occur in clusters, it would seem that the same mechanism is involved. It has been found that insulin resistance, loss of function of the vascular wall, and inflammation play important roles in this.
Fabrice Martens has shown that thiazolidinediones, newly registered medicines for diabetes that improve insulin sensitivity, also have a direct effect on the vascular walls. Independent of the effects on metabolism, these medicines improve the functioning of the vascular wall, and can inhibit inflammation in the vascular wall and beginning arteriosclerosis. Thiazolidinediones, then, are promising drugs. Moreover, the way in which they work helps provide more insight into the mechanism underlying this metabolic syndrome, the clustered risk factors related to obesity.
Fabrice Martens
Vasoreactivity, Inflammation, and Vascular Effects of Thiazolidinediones in Insulin Resistance
PhD advisor: Prof. T.J. Rabelink
Co-advisor: Dr. F.L.J. Visseren