PPAR-gamma signaling pathway in placental development and function: a potential therapeutic target in the treatment of gestational diseases.
BACKGROUND
PPAR-gamma is a target for the treatment of metabolic disorders, as Pioglitazone and Rosiglitazone are already used against type 2 diabetes. Pleiotropic functions, such as antiproliferative and anti-inflammatory effects against several pathological states, including cardiovascular disease and cancer, are currently being explored in clinical studies.


OBJECTIVE
Evidence indicates that PPAR-gamma is expressed in the placenta, playing a crucial role in placental development and function, while PPAR-gamma ligands appear to modulate fetal membrane signals. Thus, in the last few years, the pivotal role of PPAR-gamma in placental biology has been the focus of extensive research, as diabetes appears to be the most common metabolic dysfunction in pregnancy.


METHODS
We aim to present data concerning the expression of PPAR-gamma in animal and human placenta, underlining its significance in normal placental development and several gestational diseases. The effects of PPAR-gamma ligands as modulators of placental biology in normal and certain pathological conditions are also discussed.


CONCLUSIONS
Current research provides substantial evidence that PPAR-gamma plays a pivotal role in placental biology and may reveal new perspectives in the treatment of gestational diseases.
Giaginis
Costas
C
University of Athens, Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Medical School, 75, M. Asias street, Goudi, Athens, GR11527, Greece.
Spanopoulou
Evangelia
E
Theocharis
Stamatios
S
D000818:Animals; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008322:Mammals; D047495:PPAR gamma / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D010929:Placentation; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000378:metabolism*; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000502:physiology*
D047495:PPAR gamma