Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors and inflammation: from basic science to clinical applications

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) are members of the nuclear receptor family. After activation by specific ligands, they regulate the transcription of genes involved in lipid and lipoprotein metabolism, glucose and energy homeostasis, as well as cellular differentiation. Recent studies have identified expression of the three PPARs in all cells of the arterial wall, where they control cholesterol homeostasis as well as the inflammatory response and, as a consequence, modulate atherogenesis. More generally, PPARs influence cell proliferation as well as the immune and inflammatory response in different tissues and cells. In this review, we will summarize the evidence indicating that PPARs are modulators of the inflammatory response with potential therapeutic applications not only in atherosclerosis, but potentially also in other inflammation-related diseases, such as hepatic inflammation and inflammatory bowel disease.