Effects of Pioglitazone Treatment on Sympathetic Nervous System Function in Metabolic Syndrome Obesity
Status:
Unknown status
Trial end date:
2013-02-01
Target enrollment:
Participant gender:
Summary
An abdominal distribution of fat is associated with the greatest heart disease risk, because
commonly, several risk factors of metabolic origin cluster in these individuals. When this
occurs the condition is called the 'metabolic syndrome'.
Increased activity of the sympathetic nervous system resulting in enhanced release of the
stress hormone 'noradrenaline', may be one mechanism by which adverse cardiovascular and
metabolic sequela of the metabolic syndrome might be mediated. Impaired insulin action may be
one factor contributing to increased noradrenaline release.
The aim of this Study is to determine whether treatment with a drug called pioglitazone which
is known to improve insulin action, results in reduced sympathetic nervous system activity
and stress hormone release when compared to treatment with a dummy drug (placebo).