Synthesis of thiazolidinedione analogs

Thiazolidinediones (TZDs) are a new class of compound that increase insulin sensitivity in type 2 diabetic patients. Thiazolidinediones (TZDs) act as ligands for a member of the nuclear hormone receptor superfamily, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-$\gamma$ (PPAR-$\gamma$), which is highly expressed in fatty tissue and, moreover, has been shown to play an important role in fat cell differentiation. The strong interaction between the antidiabetic activity ofTZDs and their ability to activate PPAR-$\gamma$ suggests that PPAR-$\gamma$, through downstream-regulated genes, mediates the effects of TZDs. (omitted)