They belong to the family of drugs that activate the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPAR-γ) and have been found to confer antiatherogenic and anti-inflammatory effects in diabetics and non-diabetic patient groups.18 In animal models of lupus, TZDs improved vascular damage, endothelial dysfunction and disease activity.19–21 Furthermore, PGZ improved vascular function and disease activity in rheumatoid arthritis.22 23. This evidence concerns the gene PPARG and endothelial dysfunction.