Novel mechanism of thiazolidinediones

Thiazolidinediones (TZDs) are prescribed for individuals with type 2 diabetes, reportedly able to protect against atherogenesis. In this rapid communication, Hu and colleagues report a novel peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPAR-γ)-independent molecular mechanism of TZDs, findings which could contribute to the design of future atheroprotective agents. NUR77, an orphan nuclear receptor, exhibits increased mRNA expression when stimulated by TZDs. Hu and colleagues found that TZDs inhibit this independently of PPAR-γ, alongside inhibited NUR77 promoter activity, suggesting a transcriptional effect of TZDs on NUR77 mRNA expression. Hu et al. (2011) Journal of Endocrinology 208 R1-R7.

Read the full article at DOI: 10.1677/JOE-10-0393.