title: PPAR-gamma in the Cardiovascular System.
abstract: Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPAR-gamma), an essential transcriptional mediator of adipogenesis, lipid metabolism, insulin sensitivity, and glucose homeostasis, is increasingly recognized as a key player in inflammatory cells and in cardiovascular diseases (CVD) such as hypertension, cardiac hypertrophy, congestive heart failure, and atherosclerosis. PPAR-gamma agonists, the thiazolidinediones (TZDs), increase insulin sensitivity, lower blood glucose, decrease circulating free fatty acids and triglycerides, lower blood pressure, reduce inflammatory markers, and reduce atherosclerosis in insulin-resistant patients and animal models. Human genetic studies on PPAR-gamma have revealed that functional changes in this nuclear receptor are associated with CVD. Recent controversial clinical studies raise the question of deleterious action of PPAR-gamma agonists on the cardiovascular system. These complex interactions of metabolic responsive factors and cardiovascular disease promise to be important areas of focus for the future.
authors.affiliation: Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
authors.forename: Sheng Zhong
authors.initials: SZ
authors.lastname: Duan
authors.forename: Christine Y
authors.initials: CY
authors.lastname: Ivashchenko
authors.forename: Michael G
authors.initials: MG
authors.lastname: Usher
authors.forename: Richard M
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Mortensen