Narrowing in on cardiovascular disease: the atheroprotective role of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma

Trends Cardiovasc Med. 2008 Feb;18(2):39-44. doi: 10.1016/j.tcm.2007.12.001.

Abstract

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR gamma) is a nuclear receptor that has been suggested to play protective roles in the pathogenesis of diseases that are characterized by chronic inflammation, such as atherosclerosis. The study of nuclear receptors, including PPAR gamma, has led to the discovery of anti-inflammatory processes that are collectively known as transrepression. In this review, we will highlight some of the mechanisms of PPAR gamma-mediated transrepression that have surfaced throughout the past decade. We will also discuss the existing evidence for an atheroprotective role of PPAR gamma as a repressor of inflammatory genes and as a key determinant of distinct monocyte-derived subpopulations that may serve an anti-inflammatory, homeostatic role in atherogenesis.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Atherosclerosis / physiopathology*
  • Humans
  • Inflammation
  • Macrophage Activation
  • Macrophages / physiology
  • PPAR gamma / physiology*
  • Receptors, Cytoplasmic and Nuclear / genetics
  • Receptors, Cytoplasmic and Nuclear / physiology
  • Transcription Factors / physiology

Substances

  • PPAR gamma
  • Receptors, Cytoplasmic and Nuclear
  • Transcription Factors