Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors and atherosclerosis

Angiology. 2011 Oct;62(7):523-34. doi: 10.1177/0003319711401012. Epub 2011 Apr 5.

Abstract

The peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) represent the family of 3 nuclear receptor isoforms-PPARα, -γ, and -δ/β, which are encoded by different genes. As lipid sensors, they are primarily involved in regulation of lipid metabolism and subsequently in inflammation and atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis considers accumulation of the cells and extracellular matrix in the vessel wall leading to the formation of atherosclerotic plaque, atherothrombosis, and other vascular complications. Besides existence of natural ligands for PPARs, their more potent synthetic ligands are fibrates and thiazolidindiones. Future investigations should now focus on the mechanisms of PPARs activation, which might present new approaches involved in the antiatherosclerotic effects revealed in this review. In addition, in this review we are presenting latest data from recent performed clinical studies which have focus on novel approach to PPARs agonists as potential therapeutic agents in the treatment of complex disease such as atherosclerosis.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Atherosclerosis / etiology*
  • Atherosclerosis / therapy*
  • Fibric Acids / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Hypolipidemic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Lipid Metabolism / physiology*
  • Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptors / agonists*
  • Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptors / physiology*
  • Signal Transduction

Substances

  • Fibric Acids
  • Hypolipidemic Agents
  • Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptors