The rationale for specific pharmacologic therapy in nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is determined by the potential for disease progression and the difficulties, in many patients, of successfully implementing diet and lifestyle changes over the long term. Owing to their ability to correct insulin resistance, insulin-sensitizing agents are attractive candidates for the treatment of NASH. In this review we provide an insight into the mechanism of action, therapeutic efficacy and safety issues regarding the use of glitazones in NASH.
Keywords: fibrosis; glitazones; insulin resistance; insulin sensitizing drugs; nonalcoholic steatohepatitis; steatosis.