title: Cross-Talk between PPARgamma and Insulin Signaling and Modulation of Insulin Sensitivity.
abstract: PPARgamma activation in type 2 diabetic patients results in a marked improvement in insulin and glucose parameters, resulting from an improvement of whole-body insulin sensitivity. Adipose tissue is the major mediator of PPARgamma action on insulin sensitivity. PPARgamma activation in mature adipocytes induces the expression of a number of genes involved in the insulin signaling cascade, thereby improving insulin sensitivity. PPARgamma is the master regulator of adipogenesis, thereby stimulating the production of small insulin-sensitive adipocytes. In addition to its importance in adipogenesis, PPARgamma plays an important role in regulating lipid, metabolism in mature adipocytes by increasing fatty acid trapping. Finally, adipose tissue produces several cytokines that regulate energy homeostasis, lipid and glucose metabolism. Disturbances in the production of these factors may contribute to metabolic abnormalities, and PPARgamma activation is also associated with beneficial effects on expression and secretion of a whole range of cytokines.
authors.affiliation: Section of Internal Medicine, Endocrinology, Andrology and Metabolic Diseases, Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation, University of Bari School of Medicine, Piazza Giulio Cesare, 11, 70124 Bari, Italy.
authors.forename: Anna
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Leonardini
authors.forename: Luigi
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Laviola
authors.forename: Sebastio
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Perrini
authors.forename: Annalisa
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Natalicchio
authors.forename: Francesco
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Giorgino