Summary

Adipose tissue produces substantial amounts of plasminogenactivator inhibitor type-1 (PAI-1), an established cardiovascularrisk factor. This study evaluated PAI-1 expression in human adiposetissue in response to thiazolidinediones, insulin sensitisingdrugs activating peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma(PPAR-γ).Troglitazone, rosiglitazone, and ciglitazone significantlyreduced PAI-1 protein expression in human preadipocytesunder basal conditions and after stimulation of the cells with TGF-β. Pioglitazone had no effect. In human adipocytes allfour thiazolidinediones significantly attenuated PAI-1 expression.Signalling appeared to be mediated via PPAR-γ and effectsreflected, at least in part, changes in transcription. Accordingly,patients with insulin resistance may benefit from treatmentwith thiazolidinediones with respect to diminution of PAI-1expression in adipose tissue and consequent potential reduc-tionof cardiovascular risk.