Hydrochloride pioglitazone decreases urinary TGF-β1 excretion in type 2 diabetics

P>Background Thiazolidinediones (TZDs) exert a number of direct reno-protection beyond its hypoglycaemic effect in type 2 diabetics, which may be partly related to its anti-fibrosis and anti- inflammatory action. Materials and methods A total of 98 type 2 diabetics with fasting blood glucose (FBG) between 7 center dot 0 and 13 center dot 0 mmol L-1 and glycated haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) >= 7 center dot 0% were randomly assigned to add pioglitazone (group DP) or sulfonylurea (group DS) for 12 weeks. FBG, HbA1c, serum creatinine (SCr) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and urinary TGF-beta 1, albumin (UALB) and creatinine (UCr) were determined at the basal and the 12th week. Results Fasting blood glucose, HbA1c and urinary TGF-beta 1/UCr ratio (UTCR) were obviously decreased in both groups after 12 weeks treatment; UALB/UCr ratio (UACR) decreased obviously in group DP (P < 0 center dot 01), while slightly in group DS. UACR and UTCR in group DP were significantly lower than those in group DS after treatment, while FBG and HbA1c had no statistical differences between the two groups. In addition, UTCR had positive correlation with UACR (r = 0 center dot 367, P < 0 center dot 01). Conclusions Pioglitazone decreases urinary TGF-beta 1 excretion in type 2 diabetics, which may be partly contributed to its direct reno-protection.