Role of PPARgamma, a nuclear hormone receptor in neuroprotection

Indian J Biochem Biophys. 2011 Apr;48(2):73-81.

Abstract

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) belong to the nuclear receptor superfamily. PPAR-alpha is involved in wound healing, stimulation of lipid and folic acid catabolism, inflammation control, inhibition of ureagenesis and peroxisome proliferation. The PPARgamma/delta is involved wound healing, cell proliferation, embryo implantation, adipocyte differentiation, myelination alteration and apoptosis. The PPARgamma is involved in fat, lipid and calorie utilization, sugar control, inflammation control and macrophage (MQ) matutation. Homocysteine (Hcy) binds to nuclear peroxisome proliferator activated receptor. Increase in PPAR expression decreases the level of nitrotyrosine and increases endothelial nitric oxide concentration, decreases metalloproteinase activity and expression as well as elastinolysis and reverses Hcy-mediated vascular dysfunction. The PPARgamma initially recognized as a regulator of adipocyte development has become a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of diverse disorders. In addition, the activation of PPARgamma receptor ameliorates neurodegenerative disease. This review focuses on the recent knowledge of PPARgamma in neuroprotection and deals with the mechanism of neuroprotection of central nervous system disorder by PPARgamma.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Brain Ischemia / metabolism
  • Brain Ischemia / pathology
  • Brain Ischemia / therapy
  • Cell Death
  • Central Nervous System / cytology*
  • Central Nervous System / metabolism*
  • Central Nervous System / pathology
  • Cytoprotection*
  • Humans
  • Neurodegenerative Diseases / metabolism
  • Neurodegenerative Diseases / pathology
  • Neurodegenerative Diseases / therapy
  • Neurons / cytology*
  • Neurons / pathology
  • Neuroprotective Agents / metabolism
  • PPAR gamma / metabolism*

Substances

  • Neuroprotective Agents
  • PPAR gamma