In vitro activity: Telmisartan functions as a moderately potent (EC50=4.5 μM), selective PPARγ partial agonist, activating the receptor to 25% to 30% of the maximum level achieved by the full agonists pioglitazone and rosiglitazone. Telmisartan induces adipocyte differentiation of 3T3-L1 cells. Telmisartan causes a 60% to 70% decrease in the expression of ACC2 in murine muscle myotubes. Telmisartan, but not candesartan, another ARB, downregulates RAGE mRNA levels in a dose-dependent manner. Telmisartan decreases basal as well as AGE-induced RAGE protein expression in Hep3B cells. Telmisartan dose-dependently inhibits AGE-induced ROS generation and subsequent CRP gene and protein induction in Hep3B cells. Telmisartan effectively facilitates differentiation of 3T3-L1 preadipocytes. Telmisartan causes a dose-dependent increase in mRNA levels for PPARgamma target genes such as aP2 and adiponectin in both differentiating adipocytes and fully differentiated adipocytes. Telmisartan attenuates 11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 mRNA level in differentiated adipocytes.

Hypertension. 2004 May;43(5):993-1002; Hypertension. 2006 May;47(5):1003-9.