Abstract:

Introduction: Central obesity is a common complication of glucocorticoids which is associated with insulin resistance. In some studies, thiazolidinediones have decreased central obesity in type 2 diabetic patients. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of pioglitazone on glucocorticoid induced central obesity in rats. Materials and Methods: Forty Sprague-Daily rats were divided into 2 groups, with 10 male and 10 female rats in each. In group 1, methylprednisolone succinate 5 mg/kg was injected 3 times per week and pioglitazone 30 mg/kg/day was given. In group 2, only methylprednisolone succinate was administered. After 3 weeks, the rats were sacrificed and visceral fat was removed, and the weight of visceral fat, abdomen circumference and total body weight in the 2 groups were compared. Results: The weight of animals was not different significantly however animals given pioglitazone had less visceral fat (7.32±2.60 vs 11.95± 2.76 gr P<0.001) and lower abdominal circumference (11.92±1.20 vs 14.98±1.74 cm P<0.001). Conclusion: Pioglitazone has antagonistic effect on glucocorticoid induced central obesity.