Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors in endothelial cell biology.
New insights into the endothelium as a dynamic, interactive organ have generated increased interest in endothelial cell transcriptional regulation. Peroxisomal proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs), as ligand-activated nuclear receptors expressed in endothelial cells, represent one important pathway that likely influences vascular responses both directly and indirectly by altering gene expression. PPAR ligands such as fibrates (PPAR-alpha) and insulin-sensitizing thiazolidinediones (PPAR-gamma) are in clinical use and may alter the process of atherosclerosis. The present review highlights the emerging evidence for PPAR-alpha and PPAR-gamma expression in the vasculature, as well as their potential roles in endothelial cell biology.
Plutzky
J
J
The Vascular Disease Prevention Program, Cardiovascular Division, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA. jplutzky@rics.bwh.harvard.edu
D017667:Adipocytes / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D000818:Animals; D001161:Arteriosclerosis / Q000503:physiopathology*; D004730:Endothelium, Vascular / Q000166:cytology / Q000502:physiology*; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D018160:Receptors, Cytoplasmic and Nuclear / Q000502:physiology*; D014157:Transcription Factors / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000502:physiology*
D018160:Receptors, Cytoplasmic and Nuclear; D014157:Transcription Factors