Evidence Intelligence™
- EvidenceScore™
- Moderate
- Score 69 · Based on 2 studies
- ImpactScore™
- 75
- Positive
- ConsistencyScore™
- 35
- mixed
Supporting studies: Based on 2 studies
Add to Evidence TrackerResearch Summary
Analyzed using Evidence Intelligence™
Pioglitazone may reduce liver fat more in women than men
Last updated July 22, 2026
Key finding
Liver fat content decreased by 15.24% ± 14.54% in women (p = 0.025).
This study investigated the efficacy of pioglitazone in treating NAFLD patients with abnormal glucose metabolism, revealing significant liver fat content reduction in women compared to men.
Quick read
Study at a glance
The essential study design details in one scan.
EvidenceScore™
Moderate
Study type
RCTs
Follow-up
Medium-Term (3–12 mo)
Risk of bias
High Risk
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Plain-language summary
What this paper says
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Study focus
This study investigated the efficacy of pioglitazone in treating NAFLD patients with abnormal glucose metabolism, revealing significant liver fat content reduction in women compared to men.
Clinical relevance
Understanding the gender differences in treatment response is crucial for optimizing therapeutic strategies for NAFLD patients. The significant reduction in liver fat content in women suggests that pioglitazone may be particularly effective for this group, potentially leading to better management of NAFLD and associated metabolic conditions.
Keep in mind
Limited sample size may affect generalizability. The study did not explore long-term effects of pioglitazone. Potential confounding factors were not fully controlled.
Published in
Journal Reference
Publication details and source links for this paper.
Hongmei Y, Weiyun W, Xinxia C, et al. Gender Differences in the Efficacy of Pioglitazone in Treating NAFLD Patients with Abnormal Glucose Metabolism. Biology of Sex Differences. 2021;12:1. doi:10.1186/s13293-020-00344-1
Main Effects
Liver fat content decreased by 15.24% ± 14.54% in women (p = 0.025).
Liver fat content decreased by 9.95% ± 15.18% in men (p = 0.046).
Evidence network
How this study fits
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Evidence Context
This study contributes evidence to Pioglitazone and Liver fat content.
This study contributes evidence to
Primary intervention
Pioglitazone
Primary outcomes
- Liver fat content
Evidence relationships
Intervention and outcome relationships this study adds to the evidence network.
1
Evidence pairs
1
Relationships
1
Evidence topics
contributes_evidence
Editorial context
Why this study matters
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Evidence network role
This section describes how the study fits into the current evidence network. It does not determine whether an intervention works on its own.
Limited contributionModerate confidenceNetwork score: 43
1
Related topics
1
Evidence pairs
9
Related studies
High relevance in at least one topic
Why it is useful
- Contributes to 1 evidence relationship
- Includes primary outcome data
- Linked to 1 direct semantic evidence topic
Topic contributions
Evidence topic
Contributes evidence
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Primary evidence
Evidence topic
Thiazolidinediones
matched_intervention
Core evidence
Study findings
The primary outcomes reported in this study.
Evidence Library
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Evidence Suggest
- Women showed a 15.24% decrease in liver fat (p = 0.025).
- Men showed a 9.95% decrease in liver fat (p = 0.046).
Who this applies to
- Adults diagnosed with NAFLD.
- Patients with abnormal glucose metabolism.
Keep in Mind
- Results may not apply to populations outside the study sample.
- Further research is needed to confirm long-term efficacy.
- Gender differences in treatment response should be considered in clinical practice.
Between the Lines
- Limited sample size may affect generalizability.
- The study did not explore long-term effects of pioglitazone.
- Potential confounding factors were not fully controlled.
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Connected Evidence
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Relationships organized using the Dediabetes Evidence Intelligence™ framework.
This study contributes to evidence on Thiazolidinediones and Liver fat content.
Related evidence relationships
Explore in Evidence ExplorerThis study contributes to the evidence on the following intervention-outcome relationships.
Medications
Thiazolidinediones → Liver fat content
Medications
Evidence Intelligence™
- EvidenceScore™
- Moderate
- Score 69 · Based on 2 studies
- ImpactScore™
- 75
- Positive
- ConsistencyScore™
- 35
- mixed
Supporting studies: Based on 2 studies
View evidenceIncluded in these evidence collections
Curated evidence collections and hubs this study is part of.
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Questions answered by this study
Generated from the study's connected evidence using Evidence Intelligence™.
Does Pioglitazone improve liver fat content?
Moderate Evidence
Pioglitazone may improve Liver fat content.
ConsistencyScore™: Results are mixed and should be interpreted cautiously.
Evidence caveat: The available evidence reports mixed findings.
Ranked evidence signals
- 1
Liver fat content
EvidenceScore™ Moderate | EvidenceScore™ 69.0 | moderate positive | ConsistencyScore™ Mixed | 1 study
Why this answer: This answer is cautious because the available studies report mixed findings.
Limitations
- Only one supporting study is available.
- Population details are unavailable.
Next steps
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