Effects of pioglitazone on atherogenic risk predictor indices of alloxan-induced diabetic rabbits

Abstract

The effects of pioglitazone alone and in combination with either sulphonylurea or metformin on the atherogenic risk predictor indices of alloxan-induced diabetic rabbits were studied using five groups (A, B, C, D and E) of rabbits. Results of the mean values of plasma glucose, lipoproteins and atherogenic risk predictor indices determined after 4 and 8 weeks of drug administration showed that the plasma glucose, total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, triglycerides and VLDL levels significantly (p<0.05) decreased while HDL-cholesterol significantly (p<0.05) increased in the treated groups C, D and E when compared to group B, the diabetic control, after 4 weeks of drug administration. A greater positive effect was recorded after 8 weeks. The mean values of atherogenic risk predictor indices-- LDL-C/HDL-C and log (TG/HDL-C) after 4 and 8 weeks of drug administration were found to be significantly (p<0.05) decreased in the treated groups C, D and E when compared to group B (diabetic control) with a greater decrease also occurring after 8 weeks. The findings also showed positive synergistic effects of co-administered antidiabetic drugs like sulphonylurea and metformin on the atherogenic risk predictor indices.