Definition and research guide
This page combines a MeSH definition, publication statistics and selected research abstracts. It is a starting point for reading the literature, not a medical textbook or a systematic evidence review.
Content available: 4 complete abstracts (687 words), 10 references. Full article text is not stored or reproduced here; follow the PMID, DOI or PMC links to read the original sources and their access terms.
Definition
Thiazoles with two keto oxygens. Members are insulin-sensitizing agents which overcome insulin resistance by activation of the peroxisome proliferator activated receptor gamma (ppar-gamma).
Definition: NLM Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) scope note (Public domain (U.S. National Library of Medicine); attribution requested). View the MeSH record.
Also known as: Glitazones.
Where it fits in the MeSH classification
- Broader topics
- Thiazoles
- Narrower topics
- Pioglitazone; Rosiglitazone; Troglitazone
Related concepts
- Thiazoles
- Insulin Resistance
- Ppar-
Research landscape
PubMed indexes 13,388 records tagged with the MeSH heading “Thiazolidinediones” (counts retrieved 2026-10-31). 1,691 of them (12.6%) were published from 2020 onward, and the busiest period so far is 2000-2009 with 5,931 records.
Reviews account for 1,867 records (13.9%) and meta-analyses for 253. Randomized controlled trials number 1,331 (9.9%) as a share of all records on the topic. Randomized trials make up a comparatively large share of this literature, which means many treatment questions have been tested directly.
Show the data
| Period | Records |
|---|---|
| through 1999 | 529 |
| 2000-2009 | 5,931 |
| 2010-2019 | 5,237 |
| 2020 onward | 1,691 |
Publication-type chart data
| Type | Records | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Reviews | 1,867 | 13.9% |
| Meta-analyses | 253 | 1.9% |
| Randomized controlled trials | 1,331 | 9.9% |
Method: PubMed query "Thiazolidinediones"[MeSH Terms] with publication-type and date filters, retrieved 2026-10-31.
Reading the evidence in drugs and chemicals
Studies of a chemical or drug can answer very different questions: what it is and how it behaves in cells and animals, how the body handles it, and whether it changes outcomes in people. Laboratory and animal findings often do not carry over to patients, and observational studies of exposures are confounded by who uses a substance and why. Nothing on this page is a recommendation to use, avoid, start or stop any substance or medicine; talk to a qualified clinician or pharmacist about your own situation. Check the dose, the species, the comparison group and whether a patient-relevant outcome was measured.
Evidence from open-access studies
These open-access studies come from PubMed’s best-match results for this heading (papers whose main topic it is), ranked here by citation count, with one recent addition. Each abstract is reproduced in full under its recorded open licence so that you can read the authors’ own words. They illustrate the literature; they are not a systematic summary of it. Citation counts measure attention, not reliability or clinical benefit.
| Study / authors | Year | Source label / design | Europe PMC citations | Licence / source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Exosomes derived from pioglitazone-pretreated MSCs accelerate diabetic wound healing through enhancing angiogenesis | 2021 | Research article Design not recorded in structured metadata | 260 | cc by PMID 34020670 · DOI · PMC8139165 |
| Thiazolidinediones: the Forgotten Diabetes Medications | 2019 | Review article Design not recorded in structured metadata | 254 | cc by PMID 31776781 · DOI · PMC6881429 |
| Pharmacological (or Synthetic) and Nutritional Agonists of PPAR-γ as Candidates for Cytokine Storm Modulation in COVID-19 Disease | 2020 | Review article Design not recorded in structured metadata | 85 | cc by PMID 32365556 · DOI · PMC7248959 |
| Mutual solubilization of rosiglitazone and ibuprofen: Investigation and mechanistic insight | 2026 | Research article Design not recorded in structured metadata | 0 | cc by PMID 41849335 · DOI · PMC12998801 |
Exosomes derived from pioglitazone-pretreated MSCs accelerate diabetic wound healing through enhancing angiogenesis [1]
Abstract reading summary — source excerpts
- Opening excerpt
- BackgroundEnhanced angiogenesis can promote diabetic wound healing.
- Closing excerpt
- This offers a promising novel cell-free therapy for treating diabetic wound healing.
- Interpretation limits
- Verbatim excerpts from the authors’ abstract; the closing excerpt may describe a finding, limitation or recommendation. Design, population, effect size and uncertainty have not been independently extracted or appraised. Read the complete abstract and linked paper before interpreting the findings.
Read complete abstract (202 words)
BackgroundEnhanced angiogenesis can promote diabetic wound healing. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs)-derived exosomes, which are cell-free therapeutics, are promising candidates for the treatment of diabetic wound healing. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of exosomes derived from MSCs pretreated with pioglitazone (PGZ-Exos) on diabetic wound healing.ResultsWe isolated PGZ-Exos from the supernatants of pioglitazone-treated BMSCs and found that PGZ-Exos significantly promote the cell viability and proliferation of Human Umbilical Vein Vascular Endothelial Cells (HUVECs) injured by high glucose (HG). PGZ-Exos enhanced the biological functions of HUVECs, including migration, tube formation, wound repair and VEGF expression in vitro. In addition, PGZ-Exos promoted the protein expression of p-AKT, p-PI3K and p-eNOS and suppressed that of PTEN. LY294002 inhibited the biological function of HUVECs through inhibition of the PI3K/AKT/eNOS pathway. In vivo modeling in diabetic rat wounds showed that pioglitazone pretreatment enhanced the therapeutic efficacy of MSCs-derived exosomes and accelerated diabetic wound healing via enhanced angiogenesis. In addition, PGZ-Exos promoted collagen deposition, ECM remodeling and VEGF and CD31 expression, indicating adequate angiogenesis in diabetic wound healing.ConclusionsPGZ-Exos accelerated diabetic wound healing by promoting the angiogenic function of HUVECs through activation of the PI3K/AKT/eNOS pathway. This offers a promising novel cell-free therapy for treating diabetic wound healing.
Abstract reproduced from the open-access article under the recorded cc by licence; © the authors. PMID 34020670 · DOI · PMC8139165
Thiazolidinediones: the Forgotten Diabetes Medications [2]
Abstract reading summary — source excerpts
- Opening excerpt
- Purpose of reviewThiazolidinediones (TZDs) are the only pharmacologic agents that specifically treat insulin resistance.
- Closing excerpt
- Better understanding of the side effects coupled with clear benefits on the components of the insulin resistance syndrome should promote TZD use in treating patients with type 2 diabetes.
- Interpretation limits
- Verbatim excerpts from the authors’ abstract; the closing excerpt may describe a finding, limitation or recommendation. Design, population, effect size and uncertainty have not been independently extracted or appraised. Read the complete abstract and linked paper before interpreting the findings.
Read complete abstract (146 words)
Purpose of reviewThiazolidinediones (TZDs) are the only pharmacologic agents that specifically treat insulin resistance. The beneficial effects of TZDs on the cardiovascular risk factors associated with insulin resistance have been well documented. TZD use has been limited because of concern about safety issues and side effects.Recent findingsRecent studies indicate that cardiovascular toxicity with rosiglitazone and increase in bladder cancer with pioglitazone are no longer significant issues. There are new data which show that pioglitazone treatment reduces myocardial infarctions and ischemic strokes. New data concerning TZD-mediated edema, congestive heart failure, and bone fractures improves the clinician's ability to select patients that will have minimal significant side effects. Thiazolidinediones are now generic and less costly than pharmaceutical company-promoted therapies. Better understanding of the side effects coupled with clear benefits on the components of the insulin resistance syndrome should promote TZD use in treating patients with type 2 diabetes.
Abstract reproduced from the open-access article under the recorded cc by licence; © the authors. PMID 31776781 · DOI · PMC6881429
Pharmacological (or Synthetic) and Nutritional Agonists of PPAR-γ as Candidates for Cytokine Storm Modulation in COVID-19 Disease [3]
Abstract reading summary — source excerpts
- Opening excerpt
- The cytokine storm is an abnormal production of inflammatory cytokines, due to the over-activation of the innate immune response.
- Closing excerpt
- Here, we review the main synthetic and nutritional PPAR-γ ligands, proposing a dual approach based on the strengthening of the immune system using pharmacological and dietary strategies as an attempt to prevent/treat cytokine storm in the case of coronavirus infection.
- Interpretation limits
- Verbatim excerpts from the authors’ abstract; the closing excerpt may describe a finding, limitation or recommendation. Design, population, effect size and uncertainty have not been independently extracted or appraised. Read the complete abstract and linked paper before interpreting the findings.
Read complete abstract (175 words)
The cytokine storm is an abnormal production of inflammatory cytokines, due to the over-activation of the innate immune response. This mechanism has been recognized as a critical mediator of influenza-induced lung disease, and it could be pivotal for COVID-19 infections. Thus, an immunomodulatory approach targeting the over-production of cytokines could be proposed for viral aggressive pulmonary disease treatment. In this regard, the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-γ, a member of the PPAR transcription factor family, could represent a potential target. Beside the well-known regulatory role on lipid and glucose metabolism, PPAR-γ also represses the inflammatory process. Similarly, the PPAR-γ agonist thiazolidinediones (TZDs), like pioglitazone, are anti-inflammatory drugs with ameliorating effects on severe viral pneumonia. In addition to the pharmacological agonists, also nutritional ligands of PPAR-γ, like curcuma, lemongrass, and pomegranate, possess anti-inflammatory properties through PPAR-γ activation. Here, we review the main synthetic and nutritional PPAR-γ ligands, proposing a dual approach based on the strengthening of the immune system using pharmacological and dietary strategies as an attempt to prevent/treat cytokine storm in the case of coronavirus infection.
Abstract reproduced from the open-access article under the recorded cc by licence; © the authors. PMID 32365556 · DOI · PMC7248959
Mutual solubilization of rosiglitazone and ibuprofen: Investigation and mechanistic insight [4]
Abstract reading summary — source excerpts
- Opening excerpt
- PurposeWe report for the first time that co-dissolved rosiglitazone and ibuprofen mutually enhance their aqueous solubility; the study was designed to quantify this phenomenon and clarify its origin.
- Closing excerpt
- These findings offer a simple, formulation-free strategy for improving the dissolution of poorly water-soluble drugs.
- Interpretation limits
- Verbatim excerpts from the authors’ abstract; the closing excerpt may describe a finding, limitation or recommendation. Design, population, effect size and uncertainty have not been independently extracted or appraised. Read the complete abstract and linked paper before interpreting the findings.
Read complete abstract (164 words)
PurposeWe report for the first time that co-dissolved rosiglitazone and ibuprofen mutually enhance their aqueous solubility; the study was designed to quantify this phenomenon and clarify its origin.MethodsSolubility was measured by HPLC. Fluorescence and FT-IR spectroscopy were used to probe molecular interactions, while classical molecular dynamics simulations provided atomistic insight.ResultsThe fluorescence intensity of the mixed solution was markedly lower than that of either drug alone, indicating ground-state complexation or close association. FT-IR spectra showed no new peaks, confirming the absence of a new chemical entity or distinct crystal phase. Simulations revealed that each drug increases the solvent-solute compatibility of the other; the resulting hetero-association hinders nucleation and crystal growth, raising apparent solubility. At 30-60 °C, rosiglitazone solubility rose from 60.4-79.9 to 69.2-92.4 μg/mL (+6-16%), while ibuprofen increased from 50.6-89.5 to 56.3-105.0 μg/mL (+11-27%), confirming mutual enhancement.ConclusionThe observed mutual solubilization is attributed to specific intermolecular interactions and enhanced solvent compatibility. These findings offer a simple, formulation-free strategy for improving the dissolution of poorly water-soluble drugs.
Abstract reproduced from the open-access article under the recorded cc by licence; © the authors. PMID 41849335 · DOI · PMC12998801
Key reviews and meta-analyses
The most cited review-type papers among PubMed’s best-match results for this heading, listed with bibliographic details only. Follow the links for the full text and access terms.
- Research article PPARγ signaling and metabolism: the good, the bad and the future [5]
- Research article Thiazolidinediones and the promise of insulin sensitization in type 2 diabetes [6]
- Research article Insulin Resistance and Atherosclerosis: Implications for Insulin-Sensitizing Agents [7]
- Research article Long-term use of thiazolidinediones and fractures in type 2 diabetes: a meta-analysis [8]
- Research article Thiazolidinediones and Advanced Liver Fibrosis in Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis: A Meta-analysis [9]
- Research article Meta-analysis: pioglitazone improves liver histology and fibrosis in patients with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis [10]
References
- Hu Y, Tao R, Chen L, Xiong Y, Xue H, Hu L, et al.. Exosomes derived from pioglitazone-pretreated MSCs accelerate diabetic wound healing through enhancing angiogenesis. . 2021. PMID 34020670 · DOI · PMC8139165
- Lebovitz HE. Thiazolidinediones: the Forgotten Diabetes Medications. . 2019. PMID 31776781 · DOI · PMC6881429
- Ciavarella C, Motta I, Valente S, Pasquinelli G. Pharmacological (or Synthetic) and Nutritional Agonists of PPAR-γ as Candidates for Cytokine Storm Modulation in COVID-19 Disease. . 2020. PMID 32365556 · DOI · PMC7248959
- Gong Y, Liu W. Mutual solubilization of rosiglitazone and ibuprofen: Investigation and mechanistic insight. . 2026. PMID 41849335 · DOI · PMC12998801
- Ahmadian M, Suh JM, Hah N, Liddle C, Atkins AR, Downes M, et al.. PPARγ signaling and metabolism: the good, the bad and the future. Nat Med. 2013. PMID 23652116 · DOI · PMC3870016
- Soccio RE, Chen ER, Lazar MA. Thiazolidinediones and the promise of insulin sensitization in type 2 diabetes. Cell Metab. 2014. PMID 25242225 · DOI · PMC4192012
- Di Pino A, DeFronzo RA. Insulin Resistance and Atherosclerosis: Implications for Insulin-Sensitizing Agents. Endocr Rev. 2019. PMID 31050706 · DOI · PMC7445419
- Loke YK, Singh S, Furberg CD. Long-term use of thiazolidinediones and fractures in type 2 diabetes: a meta-analysis. CMAJ. 2009. PMID 19073651 · DOI · PMC2612065
- Musso G, Cassader M, Paschetta E, Gambino R. Thiazolidinediones and Advanced Liver Fibrosis in Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis: A Meta-analysis. JAMA Intern Med. 2017. PMID 28241279 · DOI · PMC5470366
- Boettcher E, Csako G, Pucino F, Wesley R, Loomba R. Meta-analysis: pioglitazone improves liver histology and fibrosis in patients with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis. Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 2012. PMID 22050199 · DOI · PMC3488596
About this article
- Sources
- NLM Medical Subject Headings (definition, synonyms); NCBI PubMed (counts, identifiers); Europe PMC (open-access abstracts and citation counts).
- Verification
- Every reference was resolved against PubMed on 2026-10-31; title, year and DOI matched.
- Review state
- automated source verified; no human expert review has been recorded yet.
- Version
- 1, last updated 2026-10-31.
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Evidence strength
EvidenceHelix's computed view of the study designs behind this topic: how common meta-analyses, randomized trials and reviews are, how recent the literature is, and a plain-language reading. It describes the design mix of the literature. It is not a quality appraisal of any study, and it is not medical advice.