Effect of Rosiglitazone on the Vascular Biology of Human Fat Tissue

Adipocytes play a crucial role in the control of metabolic homeostasis, by sequestering excess calories in the form of triglycerides, and secreting cytokines that control systemic fuel utilization. Sustained excess calorie consumption results in adipocyte hypertrophy and hyperplasia, and like any expanding tissue, requires increased capillary expansion to nourish the enlarged adipose tissue mass. Recent reports indicate that decreased capillary density in adipose tissue of obese individuals correlates with insulin resistance, suggesting that an imbalance of angiogenesis and adipogenesis may underlie this condition. To determine whether improvement in insulin sensitivity is related to changes in adipose tissue capillary development, we conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial to determine capillary density, angiogenic growth potential, and metabolic parameters in healthy human volunteers before and after treatment with rosiglitazone, a potent insulin sensitizer.

Inclusion criteria

• Overweight but otherwise in good general health.
• Age 18 - 55 years.
• Normal glucose tolerance.
• Stable weight with BMI (27-44).
• Stable medication use for the preceding month.
• BP < 150/90.
• Negative pregnancy test (*HCG), if female and of childbearing potential.
• Practicing, and willing to continue to practice appropriate contraception throughout the study if a female of childbearing potential.

Exclusion criteria

• Serious medical illness.
• Pregnancy.
• Tobacco use within the past 6 months.
• Prior or current treatment with a thiazolidinedione.
• Patients who have received an investigational drug in the past 30 days.
• Use of systemic corticosteroids.
• Known or suspected allergy to Rosiglitazone or any component of the preparation