The role of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma in colon cancer and inflammatory bowel disease.
OBJECTIVE
Review the role and therapeutic potential of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) gamma in colonic disorders.


METHODS
Recent peer-reviewed scientific literature focusing on PPAR gamma in the colon.


METHODS
Research reports using animal models, cultured cell lines, and clinical material were examined for content related to the role of PPAR gamma in normal colon cell function, colon cancer, and inflammatory bowel disease. Issues concerned with potential therapeutic use were also considered.


RESULTS
Key points pertaining to PPAR function and involvement in colon pathology were extracted and noted. Potential compromises to therapeutic utility are identified.


CONCLUSIONS
The emerging important role of PPAR gamma in normal tissue homeostasis and pathologic outcomes suggests this receptor is a good candidate as a drug target. Several potential problems with this approach will require further investigation prior to widespread recommendations for modulation of PPAR as an efficacious therapy for cancer, chemoprevention of colon cancer, or treatment of inflammatory bowel disease. The widespread use of PPAR gamma ligands for management of type 2 diabetes (such as the glitazone class of drugs including rosiglitazone and pioglitazone) may provide a fortuitous assessment of the efficacy of long-term PPAR modulation.
Bull
Arthur W
AW
Department of Chemistry, Oakland University, Rochester, Mich 48309-4477, USA. abull@oakland.edu
D000818:Animals; D003110:Colonic Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology*; D016147:Genes, Tumor Suppressor / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D015212:Inflammatory Bowel Diseases / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology*; D009154:Mutation; D018160:Receptors, Cytoplasmic and Nuclear / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D014157:Transcription Factors / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*
D018160:Receptors, Cytoplasmic and Nuclear; D014157:Transcription Factors