The Role of PPAR-Gamma Agonists in Immunomodulation and Vascular Prevention in SLE (PPAR-SLE)

Detailed Summary

Background: \- Lupus causes a person s immune system to attack the body. It can cause blood vessel problems, heart attack, or stroke. Researchers want to see if the drug pioglitazone may help. Objectives: \- To see how well pioglitazone improves blood vessel function and decreases blood vessel inflammation. To study its effect on lupus symptoms. Eligibility: \- Adults at least 18 years old with lupus. Design: * Participants will be screened with medical history, heart test, and blood and urine tests. They may have a bone density test. * Visit 1: * Participants will have: * Physical exam and blood drawn. * Peripheral Arterial Tonometry (Endopat). A cup will be placed on the finger and a pressure cuff on the arm. * Cardio-ankle vascular index (CAVI) and/or Sphygmocor. Electrodes will be placed on both wrists, a microphone on the chest, and a blood pressure cuff on each arm and leg. Another test will involve placing a small device on a fingertip. * 18-Fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography/computerized tomography (PET/CT) (some participants). A radioactive sugar will be injected into a small plastic tube in an arm vein. Participants will lie on a bed that moves in and out of a scanner that takes pictures. * Participants will get a 3-month-supply of the study drug or placebo. After 1 week, their dose may increase. * After those 3 months, they will not take either drug for 8 weeks. Then they will switch and take the other drug for 3 months. * Participants will have 6 more visits over 8 months after Visit 1. Tests from Visit 1 may be repeated. They may have a urine test.

Study Details

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Interventions