In vitro
Pioglitazone (Actos) is a selective peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma stimulator. Pioglitazone (Actos) selectively stimulates the nuclear receptor peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR-gamma) and to a lesser extent PPAR-alpha. Pioglitazone (Actos) modulates the transcription of the insulin-sensitive genes involved in the control of glucose and lipid metabolism in the muscle, adipose tissue, and the liver. As a result, pioglitazone (Actos) reduces insulin resistance in the liver and peripheral tissues. Pioglitazone (Actos) increases the expense of insulin-dependent glucose. Pioglitazone (Actos) decreases withdrawal of glucose from the liver. Pioglitazone (Actos) reduces quantity of glucose, insulin and glycated hemoglobin in the bloodstream.