Fenofibrate and pioglitazone improve endothelial function and reduce arterial stiffness in obese glucose tolerant men

Obesity is a low grade inflammatory state associated with premature cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Along with traditional risk factors the measurement of endothelial function, insulin resistance, inflammation and arterial stiffness may contribute to the assessment of cardiovascular risk. We conducted a randomised placebo controlled trial to assess the effects of 12 weeks treatment with a PPARα agonist (fenofibrate) and a PPARγ agonist (pioglitazone) on these parameters in obese glucose tolerant men. Arterial stiffness was measured using augmentation index and pulse wave velocity (PWV). E-selectin, VCAM-1 and ICAM-1 were used as markers of endothelial function. Insulin sensitivity improved with pioglitazone treatment (p = 0.001) and, in keeping with this, adiponectin increased by 85.2% (p < 0.001). Pro-inflammatory cytokine levels (TNFα, IL-6 and IL-1β) fell with both treatments (p < 0.01 for TNFα and IL-1β, p < 0.001 for IL-6). VCAM-1 and ICAM-1 were reduced with both treatments (p < 0.001 for VCAM-1, p < 0.05 for ICAM-1) and E-selectin improved with pioglitazone treatment (p = 0.05). Both treatments resulted in a fall in augmentation index. PWV fell by 17.4% with fenofibrate treatment (p < 0.001) and 16.3% with pioglitazone treatment (p < 0.001). Pioglitazone and fenofibrate treatment of obese, glucose tolerant men reduces inflammation, improves markers of endothelial function and reduces arterial stiffness. These results suggest that treatment with PPAR agonists has potential to reduce the incidence of premature cardiovascular disease associated with obesity.