The Mechanistic Role of PPARγ in Wound Healing

The receptor known as peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) is crucial for effective wound healing, and recent progress has given a deeper understanding of its complex functions. As a biological switch, PPARγ regulates the immune response by shifting macrophages from promoting inflammation to supporting tissue regeneration, while suppressing pro-inflammatory signals to create an ideal healing environment. At the cellular level, PPARγ enhances the migration of keratinocytes and promotes re-epithelialization, thereby accelerating the wound closure process. It also promotes the differentiation of preadipocytes and the formation of new blood vessels, making a significant contribution to tissue regeneration. At the molecular level, PPARγ plays a dual role in guiding epithelial-mesenchymal transformation to aid healing while preventing excessive scarring. It improves mitochondrial efficiency to provide the energy needed for tissue repair. Despite these promising mechanisms, the clinical use of current PPARγ agonists faces hurdles due to side effects and regulatory hurdles. Moving forward, research should aim to develop targeted delivery methods, tailor therapies to individual needs, and investigate how PPARγ interacts synergistically with other signaling pathways, all of which are essential steps toward translating these findings into clinical practice.