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Published on: May 17, 2024
Interference with PPARgamma signaling causes cerebral vascular dysfunction, hypertrophy, and remodeling
Andreas M Beyer1, Gary L Baumbach, Carmen M Halabi
1Genetics Graduate Program, Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa 52242, USA.
Hypertension (Dallas, Tex. : 1979)
|February 21, 2008
Summary
Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARgamma) protects blood vessels. Impaired PPARgamma signaling causes endothelial dysfunction and vascular remodeling, particularly in the brain.
Area of Science:
- Vascular biology
- Molecular medicine
- Cardiovascular research
Background:
- Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARgamma) is present in vascular cells.
- PPARgamma may have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant functions in the vasculature.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the protective role of PPARgamma in the vasculature.
- To examine vascular structure and function in mice with impaired PPARgamma signaling.
Main Methods:
- Utilized heterozygous knockin mice expressing a dominant-negative PPARgamma mutation (L/+).
- Assessed aortic and cerebral blood vessel structure and function in vivo and in vitro.
- Measured superoxide levels and response to superoxide scavengers.
Main Results:
- L/+ mice showed impaired dilation to acetylcholine in cerebral vessels.
- Elevated superoxide levels were observed in cerebral arterioles of L/+ mice.
- Cerebral arterioles in L/+ mice exhibited hypertrophy and inward remodeling.
Conclusions:
- Interference with PPARgamma signaling leads to endothelial dysfunction and oxidative stress.
- PPARgamma plays a critical role in protecting blood vessels, especially in the cerebral circulation.
- Genetic evidence supports PPARgamma's protective vascular effects.
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