title: Targeting PPAR as a therapy to treat multiple sclerosis.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a neurological disorder that causes chronic paralysis and immense socio-economic problem among young adults. The etiology of MS is not known but it is generally viewed as an autoimmune inflammatory disease of the CNS. Over the past decade, several anti-inflammatory drugs have been developed to control MS symptoms but there is no medical cure.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate the use and mechanism of action of agonists of PPAR, a family of nuclear receptor transcription factors that regulate inflammation, in treatment of MS.
  
  
  METHODS
  There are several reports showing beneficial effects of PPAR agonists in treating MS-like disease in animal models. We review recent advances in this field.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  PPAR agonists regulate MS-like disease in animal models by blocking inflammatory signaling pathways, suggesting their use in treatment of MS. Current human trials are likely to confirm the safety and efficacy of PPAR agonists for MS treatment.
authors.affiliation: Methodist Research Institute, Neuroscience Research Laboratory, 1800 N Capitol Avenue, Noyes Bldg E-504C, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA. jbright1@clarian.org
authors.forename: John J
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Bright
authors.forename: Crystal C
authors.initials: CC
authors.lastname: Walline
authors.forename: Sarvanan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Kanakasabai
authors.forename: Sharmistha
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Chakraborty
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D015195:Drug Design; D006801:Humans; D007155:Immunologic Factors / Q000494:pharmacology*; D008253:Macaca mulatta; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D047492:Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptors / Q000819:agonists*; D011817:Rabbits
chemical_list: D007155:Immunologic Factors; D047492:Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptors