Peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor-γ (PPAR-γ) agonists are increasingly used in
patients with diabetes, and small studies have suggested a beneficial effect on renal
function, but their effects on extracellular matrix (ECM) turnover are unknown. The aims of
this study were to investigate the effects of the PPAR-γ agonist pioglitazone on growth and
matrix production in human cortical fibroblasts (CF). Cell growth and ECM production and
turnover were measured in human CF in the presence and absence of 1 and 3 μM …