PPARβ/δ as a promising molecular drug target for liver diseases: A focused review

Xin Meng1, Lin Wang1, Yan-Chao Du2

  • 1Institute of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China.

Insights

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor β/δ (PPARβ/δ) plays a key role in liver health by regulating metabolism and inflammation. Targeting PPARβ/δ offers a promising therapeutic strategy for diverse liver diseases.

Area of Science:

  • Hepatology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Diverse liver diseases share common mechanisms like oxidative stress, metabolic dysfunction, and inflammation involving Kupffer cells (KCs) and hepatic stellate cells (HSCs).
  • Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor β/δ (PPARβ/δ) is expressed in liver cells, particularly KCs and HSCs.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the structure, expression, and biological functions of PPARβ/δ in the liver.
  • To explore the role of PPARβ/δ in various liver diseases.
  • To discuss future research perspectives for PPARβ/δ as a therapeutic target.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of existing studies on PPARβ/δ.
  • Analysis of PPARβ/δ expression patterns in hepatic cells.
  • Synthesis of data on PPARβ/δ functions in metabolic and inflammatory pathways.

Main Results:

  • PPARβ/δ exhibits versatile functions including lipid homeostasis control, inflammation inhibition, glucose metabolism regulation, and insulin sensitivity enhancement.
  • Higher expression of PPARβ/δ is observed in KCs and HSCs, key players in liver pathology.

Conclusions:

  • PPARβ/δ demonstrates significant potential as a molecular drug target for treating a range of liver diseases.
  • Further research into PPARβ/δ mechanisms and therapeutic applications is warranted.

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