Full activation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ), e.g., using thiazolidinediones, effectively treats insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes but also commonly promotes weight gain, hyperphagia, and edema. GQ-16 is a partial agonist for PPARγ (Ki = 160 nM) which induces adipogenesis significantly less than the full activator rosiglitazone. Like rosiglitazone, GQ-16 reverses high fat diet-mediated impairments in insulin signaling. However, GQ-16 does not induce weight gain, hyperphagia, or edema. GQ-16 does not activate PPARα, PPARβ/δ, or RXRα.
