The Role of PPARgamma in pulmonary vascular disease

J Investig Med. 2008 Feb;56(2):518-21. doi: 10.2310/JIM.0b013e318165e921.

Abstract

The peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) gamma is a member of the nuclear hormone receptor superfamily of ligand-activated transcription factors. Thiazolidinediones, pharmacological ligands for PPARgamma, are currently used in the management of type 2 diabetes. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma is expressed in the lung and pulmonary vasculature, and its expression is reduced in the vascular lesions of patients with pulmonary hypertension. Furthermore, thiazolidinedione PPARgamma ligands reduced pulmonary hypertension and vascular remodeling in several experimental models of pulmonary hypertension. This report reviews current evidence that PPARgamma may represent a novel therapeutic target in pulmonary hypertension and examines studies that have begun to elucidate mechanisms that underlie these potential therapeutic effects.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Hypertension, Pulmonary / physiopathology*
  • Hypertension, Pulmonary / therapy
  • PPAR gamma / physiology*
  • Pulmonary Circulation*

Substances

  • PPAR gamma