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

Abstract

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.

Keywords::

• endothelium
• PPARγ
• thiazoledinediones

Financial & competing interests disclosure

The authors have no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.

No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.

Notes

↓: Decrease; ↑: Increase; CIMT: Carotid intima–media thickness; CRP: C-reactive protein; MCP-1: Monocyte chemotactic protein-1; MMP-9: Matrix metalloproteinase-9; vWF: von Willebrand factor.