Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ and the endothelium: implications in cardiovascular disease

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors-γ (PPARγs) are ligand-activated transcription factors that play a crucial regulatory role in the transcription of a large number of genes involved in lipid metabolism and inflammation. In addition to physiological ligands, synthetic ligands (the thiazoledinediones) have been developed. In spite of the much publicized adverse cardiovascular effects of one such thiazoledinedione (rosiglitazone), PPARγ activation may have beneficial cardiovascular effects. In this article we review the effects of PPARγ activation on the endothelium with special emphasis on the possible implications in cardiovascular disease. We discuss its possible role in inflammation, vasomotor function, thrombosis, angiogenesis, vascular aging and vascular rhythm. We also briefly review the clinical implications of these lines of research.