Combination of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α/γ agonists may benefit type 2 diabetes patients with coronary artery disease through inhibition of inflammatory cytokine secretion

Patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) have a higher risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) play an important role in the regulation of energy homeostasis. Therefore, we aimed to observe the effects of combined PPARα/γ agonists on T2DM patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). Patients were randomly divided into a rosiglitazone (RSG) group (n=20), a bezafibrate (BEZ) group (n=20), a combination of RSG and BEZ group (n=20) and a control group (n=20). Plasma C-reactive protein (CRP) and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay before and 12 weeks after treatment. Fasting blood glucose (FBG), fasting insulin, insulin resistance index (IRI), hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), lipid levels and body mass index were also investigated. At the end of the treatment, FBG, insulin, IRI, HbA1c and triglyceride levels decreased and the level of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol increased in the RSG, BEZ and combination groups. A decrease in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol was only observed in the combination group. Although the total cholesterol levels in all groups decreased, no significant difference was noted. The levels of CRP and MCP-1 were reduced in patients in the RSG, BEZ and combination groups. In addition, RSG, BEZ and the combination of RSG and BEZ also inhibited MCP-1 secretion. The combination of RSG and BEZ was more efficient than RSG or BEZ alone in downregulating cytokines. In conclusion, our results suggest that a combination of RSG and BEZ may be more efficient than RSG or BEZ alone in the treatment of T2DM patients with CAD.