Pioglitazone is an oral drug for the treatment of type 2 diabetes that improves the utilization of glucose by the body by inhibiting hepatic gluconeogenesis, and has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects that may improve vascular endothelial cell injury and prevent cardiovascular disease. This study is to slow the process of aortic valve calcification by pioglitazone intervention with the aim of reducing the risk of aortic valve stenosis. Participants were randomized into two groups: one group was given oral pioglitazone treatment and the other group was given placebo control. Patients in both groups were observed for aortic valve calcification during the follow-up period, and changes in aortic valve thickness, degree of calcification, and flow were recorded by cardiac ultrasonography, while the incidence of cardiovascular events and adverse effects were assessed.
This is a prospective, randomized, comparative, clinical trial conducted by Wuhan Union Hospital that aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of pioglitazone compared to placebo in patients with calcific aortic valve disease with mild aortic valve stenosis.