title: PPAR-gamma signaling pathway in placental development and function: a potential therapeutic target in the treatment of gestational diseases.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: University of Athens, Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Medical School, 75, M. Asias street, Goudi, Athens, GR11527, Greece.
authors.forename: Costas
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Giaginis
authors.forename: Evangelia
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Spanopoulou
authors.forename: Stamatios
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Theocharis
mesh_terms: 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*
chemical_list: D047495:PPAR gamma