Thiazolidinediones may be effective in the prevention of stent thrombosis with DES

SummaryAlthough rare, stent thrombosis remains a severe complication after drug-eluting stent (DES) implantation owing to its high morbidity and mortality. Biological mechanisms, including delayed or incomplete stent endothelialization, enhanced platelet activity and upregulated expression of prothrombotic factors significantly contribute to stent thrombosis after DES implantation. The thiazolidinediones, a peroxisome proliferators-activated receptor-γ (PPAR-γ) agonist, is used in the treatment of patients with type 2 diabetes as an insulin-sensitizing agent. Recent data suggest that TZDs could reduce thrombotic tendency following artery injury through accelerating reendothelialization, inhibiting platelet activity and reducing the expression of prothrombotic factors. We hypothesize that TZDs may exert beneficial effects on reducing the risk of stent thrombosis with DES.