Rosiglitazone

Mechanism of action:
Rosiglitazone is a thiazolidinedione derivative and acts as a peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma, or PPAR-gamma, agonist. After entering the cell, rosiglitazone binds to the nuclear PPAR-gamma receptor. PPAR-gamma then forms a complex with the retinoid X receptor, which binds to PPAR response elements, or PPREs, on DNA and regulates the transcription of multiple metabolism-related genes. This increases insulin sensitivity in adipocytes, promotes GLUT4-related expression, and reduces the release of free fatty acids.
Reference(s):
1. Mohanty P et al. (2004). Evidence for a potent antiinflammatory effect of rosiglitazone. J Clin Endocrinol Metab.
2. Kahn SE et al. (2006). Glycemic durability of rosiglitazone, metformin, or glyburide monotherapy. N Engl J Med.
