Tranilast: A novel weapon against insulin resistance
Section snippets
Overview of the pathomechanism behind insulin resistance (IR)
IR contributes to a number of metabolic disorders including type 2 diabetes, hypertension and atherosclerosis, and has been characterized as an inflammatory disease [1], [2]. Inflammatory markers such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β), interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-2, IL-6, plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI-1) and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) have been reported to be present in higher concentrations in IR people than in normal people [2]
Phamacodynamic effects of tranilast relating to the proposal
Tranilast, N-(3,4-demethoxycinnamyl)-anthranilic acid, is an anti-allergic agent used mainly to treat allergic diseases such as atopic dermatitis, bronchial asthma and allergic rhinitis. The drug exhibits its therapeutic effect in these conditions by inhibiting the release of chemical mediators from mast cells and basophils [11]. This agent is also used to prevent keloid formation after skin injury by reducing collagen synthesis in keloid cells through interference with TGF-β effects [12].
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