Thiazolidinediones have been shown to have an antiproliferative vascular effect in experimental models. We sought to study the effect of rosiglitazone on in-stent restenosis in patients with established type 2 diabetes.

Patients with treated type 2 diabetes (mean duration 5.5 ± 7.5 years) referred for coronary stenting were randomized in a double-blind fashion to receive oral rosiglitazone or placebo for 6 months. Quantitative coronary angiography and intravascular ultrasound data were obtained at baseline and follow-up. Plasma plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 levels were prospectively measured.

Sixteen patients were enrolled. There were no significant differences in follow-up in-stent luminal diameter stenosis measured by quantitative coronary angiography or in-stent luminal area stenosis and neointimal volume index obtained by intravascular ultrasound, nor were there any differences in plasma plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 levels after long-term use despite improvement in diabetes control and insulin sensitivity.

Rosiglitazone, given at the time of stent implantation in treated diabetics, did not reduce in-stent restenosis in this small series. The vascular biological effects of this agent await further clarification in humans and evaluation in larger clinical trials.