Troglitazone reduces plasma levels of tumour necrosis factor‐α in obese patients with type 2 diabetes

Summary We evaluated the effect of troglitazone (given orally 400 mg/day) on glucose intolerance and on the plasma levels of tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) in 12 obese patients with type 2 diabetes for 12 weeks. Troglitazone significantly decreased fasting plasma glucose, serum C‐peptide, serum insulin and HbA 1c levels. Plasma levels of TNF‐α were significantly reduced by troglitazone administered for 8 and 12 weeks. Troglitazone administration significantly improved insulin resistance, but did not affect pancreatic β‐cell function as evaluated by the homeostasis model assessment (HOMA). In the present study, we reported for the first time that troglitazone administration significantly reduces plasma levels of TNF‐α in obese patients with type 2 diabetes.