Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 26, 2026

An In Vivo Estrogen Deficiency Mouse Model for Screening Exogenous Estrogen Treatments of Cardiovascular Dysfunction After Menopause
Published on: August 13, 2019
Direct antiatherosclerotic effects of PPAR agonists
Karin A M Jandeleit-Dahm1, Anna Calkin, Chris Tikellis
1Diabetes Division, Albert Einstein JDRF Centre for Diabetes Complications, Baker IDI Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. Karin.jandeleit-dahm@bakeridi.edu.au
Purpose Of Review:
Peroxisome proliferator activated receptors (PPARs) are ligand-dependent transcription factors that mediate a range of important metabolic functions by transactivation, transrepression or corepression of various gene targets. PPAR agonists also have direct antiatherosclerotic effects, independent of their metabolic effects on glucose and lipid homeostasis. The purpose of this review is to evaluate the currently available evidence for a direct vasculoprotective effect of PPAR agonists.
Recent Findings:
Current studies have emphasized PPAR-mediated effects on inflammatory and immune responses, oxidative stress, the renin-angiotensin system and modulation of plaque composition. Furthermore, it has become evident that the relative activation of the different PPAR isoforms and the contribution of transactivation of target genes against transrepression of transcription factors need to be considered when assessing the vasculoprotective effects of PPAR agonists.
Summary:
It is anticipated that the antiatherosclerotic effects of PPAR agonists observed in experimental studies will translate into reduced cardiovascular events. This promise is yet to be realized in short-to-medium term studies. Given the central role of the PPAR in gene regulation, particularly in metabolic states, it is possible that more targeted modulation of PPAR signalling may hold many rewards for the prevention of atherosclerosis.
Insights
Peroxisome proliferator activated receptors (PPARs) are transcription factors with direct antiatherosclerotic effects. While promising, their translation into reduced cardiovascular events requires further investigation and targeted modulation of PPAR signaling.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Research
- Metabolic Regulation
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Peroxisome proliferator activated receptors (PPARs) are key regulators of metabolic homeostasis.
- PPAR agonists exhibit antiatherosclerotic properties independent of metabolic effects.
- Understanding PPARs' role in vascular health is crucial for cardiovascular disease prevention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the evidence for direct vasculoprotective effects of PPAR agonists.
- To explore PPAR-mediated mechanisms influencing vascular inflammation and plaque stability.
- To assess the clinical translation potential of PPAR agonists in atherosclerosis.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of experimental and clinical studies on PPAR agonists.
- Analysis of PPAR-mediated effects on inflammatory pathways, oxidative stress, and the renin-angiotensin system.
- Evaluation of PPAR isoform-specific actions and gene regulatory mechanisms.
Main Results:
- PPAR activation influences immune responses, oxidative stress, and plaque composition.
- Both transactivation and transrepression pathways are critical for PPAR's vasculoprotective actions.
- Experimental studies show significant antiatherosclerotic effects of PPAR agonists.
Conclusions:
- PPAR agonists hold promise for preventing atherosclerosis, but clinical translation is pending.
- Targeted modulation of PPAR signaling pathways may offer novel therapeutic strategies.
- Further research is needed to realize the full clinical benefits of PPAR agonists in cardiovascular disease.
Related Concept Videos
Treatment for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: Prostacyclin Receptor Agonists
These agonists bind to the IPR receptor situated on the plasma membrane of the pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells. This binding triggers a cascade of reactions known as the GS-AC-cAMP-PKA pathway. This pathway results in the relaxation of smooth muscle...
Lipid-Lowering Drugs: Statins and Miscellaneous Agents
Adrenergic Antagonists: Pharmacological Actions of ɑ-Receptor Blockers
α1-blockers: These drugs inhibit α1-adrenoceptors on smooth muscle cells, resulting in vasodilation. This vasodilation lowers blood pressure, making α1-blockers valuable in treating hypertension. Additionally, α1-blockers effectively address urinary obstruction...
Atherosclerosis III: Management
Antihypertensive Drugs: Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers
Antiplatelet Drugs: Prostaglandin Synthesis, P2Y12 and Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa Inhibitors
Prostaglandin synthesis inhibitors, exemplified by the widely known aspirin, wield their power by irreversibly acetylating...