Using pioglitazone to lower nerve activity in chronic kidney disease patients

Targeting ADMA With Pioglitazone to Reduce Sympathetic Overactivity in CKD Patients

PHASE4 · The University of Texas at Arlington · NCT03471117

This study is testing if the diabetes drug pioglitazone can help reduce nerve activity and improve heart health in people with chronic kidney disease.

Quick facts

PhasePHASE4
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment28 (estimated)
Ages35 Years to 70 Years
SexAll
SponsorThe University of Texas at Arlington (other)
Locations2 sites (Arlington, Texas and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT03471117 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the effects of pioglitazone, a medication typically used for diabetes, on reducing sympathetic nerve activity in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). The research focuses on CKD patients classified as Stage 3 and 4, aiming to determine if short-term treatment with pioglitazone can improve cardiovascular outcomes by lowering sympathetic nerve impulses. The study will compare the effects of pioglitazone against a placebo to assess its efficacy in this patient population. By targeting sympathetic overactivity, the study seeks to address a significant cardiovascular risk factor in CKD patients.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 35 to 70 with Stage 3 or 4 chronic kidney disease and specific glomerular filtration rates.

Not a fit: Patients with a history of heart disease, liver disease, or certain other medical conditions may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could significantly reduce cardiovascular risks and improve overall health outcomes for patients with chronic kidney disease.

How similar studies have performed: While the approach of using pioglitazone for this purpose is novel, previous studies have indicated potential benefits of targeting sympathetic overactivity in CKD patients.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* CKD patients classified as Stage 3 and 4 of National Kidney Foundation Classification with estimated glomerular filtration rate (GFR) between 15 and 59 mL/min/1.73 m2 according to the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) formula based on serum creatinine, age, gender, and race.
* Men and women 35 to 70 years of age

Exclusion Criteria:

* Allergy to Glitazones
* Myocardial infarction
* Heart failure
* Angina
* History of kidney stones
* Liver disease (abnormal liver enzymes)
* Anemia (hemoglobin \<8 g/dl)
* Cancer with current treatment
* Previous organ transplantation
* Immunosuppressant therapy
* Human immunodeficiency virus infection
* Pregnancy or lactating
* Current tobacco use
* Dilantin and oral contraceptive usage due to potential drug interaction with glitazones
* Self-identified history of hypoglycemia

Where this trial is running

Arlington, Texas and 1 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Chronic Kidney Diseases, blood pressure, pioglitazone, hypertension

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.