| abstract |
Formula These compounds provide agents that reduce intracellular glucocorticoid concentrations in mammals, particularly intracellular cortisol levels in humans. Thus, the compounds of the present invention improve insulin sensitivity in muscle and adipose tissue and reduce lipolysis and free fatty acid production in adipose tissue. The compounds of the present invention reduce liver glucocorticoid concentrations in mammals, particularly liver cortisol concentrations in humans, resulting in inhibition of liver gluconeogenesis and reduction of plasma glucose levels. Thus, the compounds of the present invention may be particularly useful as a hypoglycemic agent for the treatment and prevention of conditions involving hyperglycemia and / or insulin resistance such as type 2 diabetes in mammals. The compounds of the present invention may also be used in the treatment of other glucocorticoid-related diseases such as syndrome X, dyslipidemia, hypertension and central obesity. The present invention further provides for the treatment of glucocorticoid-related diseases, particularly by improving insulin sensitivity, lowering plasma glucose levels, reducing lipolysis and free fatty acid production, and reducing visceral adipose tissue. It relates to the use of a compound of the invention in the manufacture of a medicament useful for prevention. |