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Published on: December 5, 2017
PPARs and their effects on the cardiovascular system
1Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Texas Southern University, Houston, Texas 77004, USA. oyekan_ao@tsu.edu
Abstract:
Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) are ligand-activated transcription factors belonging to the nuclear receptor superfamily that undergo transactivation or transrepression by distinct mechanisms leading to induction or repression of expression of target genes. The PPAR family consists of three isoforms, α, γ, and ß/δ, which share similar structural organization, possess distinct functions, and vary in their ligand affinity, expression, and activity in different metabolic pathways in different tissues. PPARs are involved in many functions especially those involved in the regulation of vascular tone, inflammation and energy homeostasis and therefore represent important targets for hypertension, obesity, obesity-induced inflammation, and metabolic syndrome in general. PPARs may influence the inflammatory response either by direct transcriptional downregulation of proinflammatory genes via mechanisms involving transrepression, or indirectly via their transcriptional effects on lipid metabolism. On account of their pleiotropic effects, they are now known to be active participants in many disease conditions and they represent potent targets for the development of therapy of a wide array of diseases.
Insights
Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) are key regulators of gene expression involved in metabolism and inflammation. Targeting PPARs offers therapeutic potential for metabolic syndrome, obesity, and hypertension.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Endocrinology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) are nuclear receptors regulating gene expression.
- The PPAR family includes three isoforms (α, γ, ß/δ) with distinct functions and tissue expression.
- PPARs play crucial roles in vascular tone, inflammation, and energy homeostasis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the multifaceted roles of PPARs in metabolic and inflammatory pathways.
- To highlight PPARs as therapeutic targets for metabolic syndrome, obesity, and hypertension.
- To discuss the mechanisms of PPAR action, including transactivation and transrepression.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of PPAR function and therapeutic applications.
- Analysis of PPAR involvement in gene expression regulation.
- Examination of PPARs' impact on lipid metabolism and inflammatory responses.
Main Results:
- PPARs modulate target gene expression through transactivation and transrepression.
- Distinct PPAR isoforms exhibit varied ligand affinities, expression patterns, and activities.
- PPARs influence inflammation directly and indirectly through lipid metabolism regulation.
Conclusions:
- PPARs are critical regulators of diverse physiological processes.
- The pleiotropic effects of PPARs make them significant targets for treating a wide range of diseases.
- Targeting PPARs holds promise for developing novel therapies for metabolic and inflammatory conditions.
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