http://www.hindawi.com The latest articles from Hindawi Publishing Corporation © 2013 , Hindawi Publishing Corporation . All rights reserved. Wed, 15 May 2013 11:25:43 +0000 http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ppar/2013/807156/ Massimo Bionaz, Gary J. Hausman, Juan J. Loor, and Stéphane Mandard Copyright © 2013 Massimo Bionaz et al. All rights reserved. Thu, 02 May 2013 10:49:19 +0000 http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ppar/2013/121956/ PPAR/ is a ligand-activated transcription factor that regulates various cellular functions via induction of target genes directly or in concert with its associated transcriptional repressor, BCL-6. Matrix remodeling proteinases are frequently over-expressed in pancreatic cancer and are involved with metastasis. The present study tested the hypothesis that PPAR/ is expressed in human pancreatic cancer cells and that its activation could regulate MMP-9, decreasing cancer cells ability to transverse the basement membrane. In human pancreatic cancer tissue there was significantly higher expression of MMP-9 and PPAR/, and lower levels of BCL-6 mRNA. PPAR/ activation reduced the TNFα-induced expression of various genes implicated in metastasis and reduced the invasion through a basement membrane in cell culture models. Through the use of short hairpin RNA inhibitors of PPAR/, BCL-6, and MMP-9, it was evident that PPAR/ was responsible for the ligand-dependent effects whereas BCL-6 dissociation upon GW501516 treatment was ultimately responsible for decreasing MMP-9 expression and hence invasion activity. These results suggest that PPAR/ plays a role in regulating pancreatic cancer cell invasion through regulation of genes via ligand-dependent release of BCL-6 and that activation of the receptor may provide an alternative therapeutic method for controlling migration and metastasis. Jeffrey D. Coleman, Jerry T. Thompson, Russell W. Smith III, Bogdan Prokopczyk, and John P. Vanden Heuvel Copyright © 2013 Jeffrey D. Coleman et al. All rights reserved. Mon, 29 Apr 2013 08:36:28 +0000 http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ppar/2013/684159/ Characterization and biological roles of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) isotypes are well known in monogastrics, but not in ruminants. However, a wealth of information has accumulated in little more than a decade on ruminant PPARs including isotype tissue distribution, response to synthetic and natural agonists, gene targets, and factors affecting their expression. Functional characterization demonstrated that, as in monogastrics, the PPAR isotypes control expression of genes involved in lipid metabolism, anti-inflammatory response, development, and growth. Contrary to mouse, however, the PPAR gene network appears to controls milk fat synthesis in lactating ruminants. As in monogastrics, PPAR isotypes in ruminants are activated by long-chain fatty acids, therefore, making them ideal candidates for fine-tuning metabolism in this species via nutrients. In this regard, using information accumulated in ruminants and monogastrics, we propose a model of PPAR isotype-driven biological functions encompassing key tissues during the peripartal period in dairy cattle. Massimo Bionaz, Shuowen Chen, Muhammad J. Khan, and Juan J. Loor Copyright © 2013 Massimo Bionaz et al. All rights reserved. Thu, 18 Apr 2013 13:25:48 +0000 http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ppar/2013/358074/ The present trial aimed to investigate the effects of pioglitazone on the serum level of asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), a marker of endothelial function, and some indices of inflammation and glucose and lipid metabolism in nondiabetic metabolic syndrome patients. 104 eligible participants (57% female; age between 20 and 70) were enrolled in a double-blind placebo-controlled trial and were randomized to receive either pioglitazone (uptitrated to 30 mg/day) or matching placebo for 24 weeks. Participants were clinically examined and a blood sample was obtained at baseline and at the end of the trial. Pioglitazone significantly improved C-reactive protein level irrespective of changes in insulin sensitivity. Compared with the placebo group, alanine and aspartate transaminases were decreased and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol was increased after treatment with pioglitazone. A considerably greater weight gain was also recorded in the intervention group. We failed to observe any significant changes in serum ADMA in either group and between groups with and without adjustment for age, sex, and components of the metabolic syndrome. In a nutshell, pioglitazone seems to have positive effects on lipid profile, liver transaminases, and systemic inflammation. However, its previously demonstrated endothelial function-improving properties do not seem to be mediated by ADMA. Pedram Shokouh, Adel Joharimoghadam, Hamidreza Roohafza, Masoumeh Sadeghi, Allahyar Golabchi, Maryam Boshtam, and Nizal Sarrafzadegan Copyright © 2013 Pedram Shokouh et al. All rights reserved. Wed, 17 Apr 2013 10:51:25 +0000 http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ppar/2013/310948/ To explore the function of PPARγ in the goat mammary gland, we cloned the whole cDNA of the PPARγ gene. Homology alignments revealed that the goat PPARγ gene is conserved among goat, bovine, mouse, and human. Luciferase assays revealed that rosiglitazone enhanced the activity of the PPARγ response element (PPRE) in goat mammary epithelial cells (GMECs). After rosiglitazone (ROSI) treatment of GMECs, there was a significant () increase in the expression of genes related to triacylglycerol synthesis and secretion: LPL, FASN, ACACA, PLIN3, FABP3, PLIN2, PNPLA2, NR1H3, SREBF1, and SCD. The decreases in expression observed after knockdown of PPARγ relative to the control group (Ad-NC) averaged 65%, 52%, 67%, 55%, 65%, 58%, 85%, 43%, 50%, and 24% for SCD, DGAT1, AGPAT6, SREBF1, ACACA, FASN, FABP3, SCAP, ATGL, and PLIN3, respectively. These results provide direct evidence that PPARγ plays a crucial role in regulating the triacylglycerol synthesis and secretion in goat mammary cells and underscore the functional importance of PPARγ in mammary gland tissue during lactation. Hengbo Shi, Jun Luo, Jiangjiang Zhu, Jun Li, Yuting Sun, Xianzi Lin, Liping Zhang, Dawei Yao, and Huaiping Shi Copyright © 2013 Hengbo Shi et al. All rights reserved. Mon, 15 Apr 2013 12:41:28 +0000 http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ppar/2013/575604/ The liver X receptors (LXRs) have been shown to be crucially involved in maternal-fetal cholesterol transport and placentation. The aim of this study was to investigate the expression pattern and frequency of LXR under normal physiological circumstances and in spontaneous abortion and/or recurrent miscarriage. A total of 29 (12 physiologic pregnancies/10 spontaneous abortions/7 recurrent miscarriages) human pregnancies in first trimester were analysed for LXR expression. Expression changes were evaluated by immunohistochemistry for receptor and quantitative RT-PCR (TaqMan) was performed to determine the level of LXR mRNA expression. We also stained for RXRα and PPARγ as possible heterodimers of LXR. LXR expression was downregulated in the syncytiotrophoblast of spontaneous abortion placentas compared to normal pregnancy. In recurrent miscarriage there was a trend for a downregulation. Decidua showed an even stronger downregulation in both groups. In the syncytiotrophoblast we found a positive correlation for the combination of LXR/PPARγ in abortions and a negative correlation for LXR/RXRα. In addition, double-immunofluorescence staining showed that LXR as well as RXRα and PPARγ are expressed by the extravillous trophoblast. Finally, RXRα and LXR showed coexpression in the same extravillous trophoblast cells. To conclude, our data show that LXR expression is decreased in miscarriage. Julia Knabl, Aurelia Pestka, Rebecca Hüttenbrenner, Torsten Plösch, Regina Ensenauer, Lena Welbergen, Stefan Hutter, Maria Günthner-Biller, and Udo Jeschke Copyright © 2013 Julia Knabl et al. All rights reserved. Thu, 04 Apr 2013 08:50:44 +0000 http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ppar/2013/329862/ Leu162Val PPARα and Pro12Ala PPARγ2 were investigated for their individual and their interactive impact on MS and renal functionality (RF). 522 subjects were investigated for biochemical and anthropometric measurements. The diagnosis of MS was based on the IDF definition (2009). The HOMA 2 was used to determine HOMA-β, HOMA-S and HOMA-IR from FPG and FPI concentrations. RF was assessed by estimating the GFR. PCR-RFLP was performed for DNA genotyping. Allele frequencies were 0.845 for Pro and 0.155 for Ala, and were 0.915 for Leu and 0.085 for Val. We showed that carriers of the PPARα Val 162 allele had lower urea, UA and higher GFR compared to those homozygous for the Leu162 allele. Subjects carried by PPARγ2Ala allele had similar results. They also had reduced FPG, FPI and HOMA-IR, and elevated HOMA-β and HOMA-S compared to those homozygous for the Pro allele. Subjects were divided into 4 groups according to the combinations of genetic alleles of the 2 polymorphisms. Subjects carrying the Leu/Val with an Ala allele had lower FPG, PPI, HOMA-IR, urea, UA levels, higher HOMA-β, HOMA-S and GFR than different genotype combinations. Leu162Val PPARα and Pro12Ala PPARγ2 can interact with each other to modulate glucose and insulin homeostasis and expand their association with overall better RF. Sarraj Mohamed Youssef, Najah Mohamed, Slimani Afef, Ben Hamda Khaldoun, Neffati Fadoua, Najjar Mohamed Fadhel, and Slimane Mohamed Naceur Copyright © 2013 Sarraj Mohamed Youssef et al. All rights reserved. Thu, 28 Mar 2013 11:47:47 +0000 http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ppar/2013/391628/ Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is characterised by specific lipoprotein abnormalities and insulin resistance. Dual activation of the peroxisome proliferators-activated receptors (PPAR) α and γ can significantly improve insulin sensitivity. The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of a dual PPAR α/γ agonist on lipoprotein abnormalities in patients with CKD. One mg of the dual PPAR α/γ agonist tesaglitazar was given once daily during six weeks to CKD patients, and to healthy subjects. Plasma lipids, apolipoproteins (apo) and discrete lipoprotein subclasses were measured at baseline and end of treatment. In the CKD patients apoA-I increased significantly by 9%, and apoB decreased by 18%. There was an increase of apoC-III in HDL by 30%, and a parallel decrease of apoC-III in VLDL + LDL by 13%. Both the apoB-containing cholesterol-rich and the triglyceride-rich subclasses decreased significantly. With the exception of ApoC-III,all plasma lipids apolipoproteins and lipoprotein subclasses were reduced by treatment down to similar levels as the baseline levels of a healthy group of reference subjects. This study suggests that by improving insulin sensitivity a dual PPAR α/γ agonist has the potential to normalise most of the lipoprotein abnormalities in patients with CKD. O. Samuelsson, P. O. Attman, I. Gause-Nilsson, M. K. Svensson, and P. Alaupovic Copyright © 2013 O. Samuelsson et al. All rights reserved. Mon, 18 Mar 2013 15:55:09 +0000 http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ppar/2013/628628/ Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPARγ) agonists such as rosiglitazone and pioglitazone are used to improve insulin sensitivity in patients with diabetes mellitus. However, thiazolidinediones induce fluid retention, edema, and sometimes precipitate or exacerbate heart failure in a subset of patients. The mechanism through which thiazolidinediones induce fluid retention is controversial. Most studies suggest that this effect results from the increase in tubular sodium and water reabsorption in the kidney, but the role of specific nephron segments and sodium carriers involved is less clear. Some studies suggested that PPARγ agonist stimulates Na+ reabsorption in the collecting duct by activating epithelial Na+ channel (ENaC), either directly or through serum and glucocorticoid-regulated kinase-1 (SGK-1). However, other studies did not confirm this mechanism and even report the suppression of ENaC. Alternative mechanisms in the collecting duct include stimulation of non-ENaC sodium channel or inhibition of chloride secretion to the tubular lumen. In addition, thiazolidinediones may augment sodium reabsorption in the proximal tubule by stimulating the expression and activity of apical Na+/H+ exchanger-3 and basolateral Na+- cotransporter as well as of Na+,K+-ATPase. These effects are mediated by PPARγ-induced nongenomic transactivation of the epidermal growth factor receptor and downstream extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK). Jerzy Bełtowski, Jolanta Rachańczyk, and Mirosław Włodarczyk Copyright © 2013 Jerzy Bełtowski et al. All rights reserved. Mon, 11 Mar 2013 09:16:52 +0000 http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ppar/2013/476049/ Expression of the brown adipocyte-specific gene, uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1), is increased by both PPAR stimulation and cAMP activation through their ability to stimulate the expression of the PPAR coactivator PGC1. In HIB1B brown preadipocytes, combination of the PPAR agonist, rosiglitazone, and the cAMP stimulator forskolin synergistically increased UCP1 mRNA expression, but PGC1 expression was only increased additively by the two drugs. The PPAR antagonist, GW9662, and the PKA inhibitor, H89, both inhibited UCP1 expression stimulated by rosiglitazone and forskolin but PGC1 expression was not altered to the same extent. Reporter studies demonstrated that combined rosiglitazone and forskolin synergistically activated transcription from a full length 3.1 kbp UCP1 luciferase promoter construct, but the response was only additive and much reduced when a minimal 260 bp proximal UCP1 promoter was examined. Rosiglitazone and forskolin in combination were able to synergistically stimulate promoters comprising of tandem repeats of either PPREs or CREs. We conclude that rosiglitazone and forskolin act together to synergistically activate the UCP1 promoter directly rather than by increasing PGC1 expression and by a mechanism involving cross-talk between the signalling systems regulating the CRE and PPRE on the promoters. H. Y. Chen, Q. Liu, A. M. Salter, and M. A. Lomax Copyright © 2013 H. Y. Chen et al. All rights reserved. Sun, 10 Mar 2013 14:14:26 +0000 http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ppar/2013/970276/ Pregnancy is a state of immunotolerance, and pregnancy outcome is strongly linked to the correct activation and balancing of the maternal immune system. Besides abortion as possible result of improper early pregnancy development, other pregnancy associated conditions like preeclampsia (PE), intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR), preterm labour, or gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) are linked to immunologic overactivation and dysregulation. Both the innate and the adaptive immune system, and therefore B and T lymphocytes, natural killer cells (NK), macrophages and dendritic cells (DCs) are all involved in trophoblast invasion, pregnancy maintenance, and development of pregnancy disorders. Peroxisome proliferator activated receptors (PPARs) are nuclear transcription factors with three known isotypes: PPAR, PPARβ/δ, and PPARγ. They are expressed in most human organs and their function extends from regulating metabolism, homeostasis, and carcinogenesis to immune response. In the recent years, PPARs have been identified in most reproductive tissues and in all lines of immune cells. Only in few cases, the role of PPARs in reproductive immunology has been elucidated though the role of PPARs in immune answer and immunotolerance is evident. Within this paper we would like to give an update on today’s knowledge about PPARs and immune cells in reproduction and highlight interesting interferences in regard of future therapeutic targets. Stefan Hutter, Julia Knabl, Ulrich Andergassen, and Udo Jeschke Copyright © 2013 Stefan Hutter et al. All rights reserved. Thu, 07 Mar 2013 09:39:14 +0000 http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ppar/2013/613864/ Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) are ligand-activated transcription factors that play pivotal roles in the regulation of a very large number of biological processes including inflammation. Using specific examples, this paper focuses on the interplay between PPARs and innate immunity/inflammation and, when possible, compares it among species. We focus on recent discoveries establishing how inflammation and PPARs interact in the context of obesity-induced inflammation and type 2 diabetes, mostly in mouse and humans. We illustrate that PPARγ ability to alleviate obesity-associated inflammation raises an interesting pharmacologic potential. In the light of recent findings, the protective role of PPARα and PPARβ/δ against the hepatic inflammatory response is also addressed. While PPARs agonists are well-established agents that can treat numerous inflammatory issues in rodents and humans, surprisingly very little has been described in other species. We therefore also review the implication of PPARs in inflammatory bowel disease; acute-phase response; and central, cardiac, and endothelial inflammation and compare it along different species (mainly mouse, rat, human, and pig). In the light of the data available in the literature, there is no doubt that more studies concerning the impact of PPAR ligands in livestock should be undertaken because it may finally raise unconsidered health and sanitary benefits. Stéphane Mandard and David Patsouris Copyright © 2013 Stéphane Mandard and David Patsouris. All rights reserved. Thu, 28 Feb 2013 14:03:44 +0000 http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ppar/2013/456042/ The present study investigates the changes of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors δ (PPARδ) expression and troponin phosphorylation in heart of rats which were treated with doxorubicin (DOX). Wistar rats which were treated with DOX according to a previous method. The protein levels of PPARδ and troponin phosphorylation were measured using Western blot. The PPARδ expression in heart was markedly reduced in DOX-treated rats showing a marked decrease in cardiac dP/dT and cardiac output. Also, cardiac troponin phosphorylation was lowered in DOX-treated rats. Meanwhile, combined treatment with the agonist of PPARδ (GW0742) reversed the decrease of cardiac dP/dT and cardiac output in DOX-treated rats. Then, primary cultured cardiomyocytes from neonatal rats were used to measure the changes of calcium concentration in cells. In addition to both decrease of PPARδ expression and troponin phosphorylation in neonatal cardiomyocytes by DOX, a marked decrease of calcium concentration was also observed. Our results suggest the mediation of cardiac PPARδ in DOX-induced cardiotoxicity in rats. Thus, activation of PPARδ may restore the expression of p-TnI and the cardiac performance in DOX-induced cardio toxicity in rats. Zhih-Cherng Chen, Li-Jen Chen, and Juei-Tang Cheng Copyright © 2013 Zhih-Cherng Chen et al. All rights reserved. Tue, 26 Feb 2013 08:46:53 +0000 http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ppar/2013/865604/ While TOFA (acetyl CoA carboxylase inhibitor) and C75 (fatty acid synthase inhibitor) prevent lipid accumulation by inhibiting fatty acid synthesis, the mechanism of action is not simply accounted for by inhibition of the enzymes alone. Liver fatty acid binding protein (L-FABP), a mediator of long chain fatty acid signaling to peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-α (PPARα) in the nucleus, was found to bind TOFA and its activated CoA thioester, TOFyl-CoA, with high affinity while binding C75 and C75-CoA with lower affinity. Binding of TOFA and C75-CoA significantly altered L-FABP secondary structure. High (20 mM) but not physiological (6 mM) glucose conferred on both TOFA and C75 the ability to induce PPARα transcription of the fatty acid β-oxidative enzymes CPT1A, CPT2, and ACOX1 in cultured primary hepatocytes from wild-type (WT) mice. However, L-FABP gene ablation abolished the effects of TOFA and C75 in the context of high glucose. These effects were not associated with an increased cellular level of unesterified fatty acids but rather by increased intracellular glucose. These findings suggested that L-FABP may function as an intracellular fatty acid synthesis inhibitor binding protein facilitating TOFA and C75-mediated induction of PPARα in the context of high glucose at levels similar to those in uncontrolled diabetes. Huan Huang, Avery L. McIntosh, Gregory G. Martin, Anca D. Petrescu, Kerstin K. Landrock, Danilo Landrock, Ann B. Kier, and Friedhelm Schroeder Copyright © 2013 Huan Huang et al. All rights reserved. Sun, 24 Feb 2013 15:16:59 +0000 http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ppar/2013/982462/ We aimed to determine whether epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibition, in addition to a peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) agonist, prevents high-glucose-induced proximal tubular fibrosis, inflammation, and sodium and water retention in human proximal tubule cells exposed to normal glucose; high glucose; high glucose with the PPARγ agonist pioglitazone or with the P-EGFR inhibitor, gefitinib; or high glucose with both pioglitazone and gefitinib. We have shown that high glucose increases AP-1 and NFκB binding activity, downstream phosphorylation of EGFR and Erk1/2, and fibronectin and collagen IV expression. Pioglitazone reversed these effects but upregulated NHE3 and AQP1 expression. Gefitinib inhibited high glucose induced fibronectin and collagen IV, and EGFR and Erk1/2 phosphorylation and reversed pioglitazone-induced increases in NHE3 and AQP1 expression. Our data suggests that combination of an EGFR inhibitor and a PPARγ agonist mitigates high-glucose-induced fibrosis and inflammation and reverses the upregulation of transporters and channels involved in sodium and water retention in human proximal tubule cells. Hence EGFR blockade may hold promise, not only in limiting tubulointerstitial pathology in diabetic nephropathy, but also in limiting the sodium and water retention observed in patients with diabetes and exacerbated by PPARγ agonists. Katherine Pegg, Jie Zhang, Carol Pollock, and Sonia Saad Copyright © 2013 Katherine Pegg et al. All rights reserved. Mon, 18 Feb 2013 10:39:39 +0000 http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ppar/2013/938401/ Fatty acid binding proteins (FABPs) act as intracellular shuttles for fatty acids as well as lipophilic xenobiotics to the nucleus, where these ligands are released to a group of nuclear receptors called the peroxisome proliferator activated receptors (PPARs). PPAR mediated gene activation is ultimately involved in maintenance of cellular homeostasis through the transcriptional regulation of metabolic enzymes and transporters that target the activating ligand. Here we show that liver- (L-) FABP displays a high binding affinity for PPAR subtype selective drugs. NMR chemical shift perturbation mapping and proteolytic protection experiments show that the binding of the PPAR subtype selective drugs produces conformational changes that stabilize the portal region of L-FABP. NMR chemical shift perturbation studies also revealed that L-FABP can form a complex with the PPAR ligand binding domain (LBD) of PPARα. This protein-protein interaction may represent a mechanism for facilitating the activation of PPAR transcriptional activity via the direct channeling of ligands between the binding pocket of L-FABP and the PPARαLBD. The role of L-FABP in the delivery of ligands directly to PPARα via this channeling mechanism has important implications for regulatory pathways that mediate xenobiotic responses and host protection in tissues such as the small intestine and the liver where L-FABP is highly expressed. Tony Velkov Copyright © 2013 Tony Velkov. All rights reserved. Tue, 12 Feb 2013 13:29:24 +0000 http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ppar/2013/256508/ Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPAR) are members of the superfamily of nuclear hormone receptors involved in embryonic development and differentiation of several tissues including placenta, which respond to specific ligands such as polyunsaturated fatty acids by altering gene expression. Three subtypes of this receptor have been discovered, each evolving to achieve different biological functions. The PPARs also control a variety of target genes involved in lipid homeostasis. Similar to other nuclear receptors, the transcriptional activity of PPARs is affected not only by ligand-stimulation but also by crosstalk with other molecules. For example, both PPARs and the RXRs are ligand-activated transcription factors that coordinately regulate gene expression. In addition, several mechanisms underlying negative regulation of gene expression by PPARs have been shown. It is suggested that PPARs are key messengers responsible for the translation of nutritional stimuli into changes in gene expression pathways for placental development. Satoru Matsuda, Mayumi Kobayashi, and Yasuko Kitagishi Copyright © 2013 Satoru Matsuda et al. All rights reserved. Tue, 05 Feb 2013 14:41:50 +0000 http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ppar/2013/896412/ Yasuteru Kondo, Kenji Uno, Keigo Machida, and Masanori Terajima Copyright © 2013 Yasuteru Kondo et al. All rights reserved. Mon, 04 Feb 2013 16:13:18 +0000 http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ppar/2013/452061/ Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) defines a wide spectrum of liver diseases that extend from simple steatosis, that is, increased hepatic lipid content, to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), a condition that may progress to cirrhosis with its associated complications. Nuclear hormone receptors act as intracellular lipid sensors that coordinate genetic networks regulating lipid metabolism and energy utilization. This family of transcription factors, in particular peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs), represents attractive drug targets for the management of NAFLD and NASH, as well as related conditions such as type 2 diabetes and the metabolic syndrome. The impact on the regulation of lipid metabolism observed for PPARs has led to the hypothesis that genetic variants within the human PPARs genes may be associated with human disease such as NAFLD, the metabolic syndrome, and/or coronary heart disease. Here we review the available evidence on the association between PPARs genetic polymorphism and the susceptibility to NAFLD and NASH, and we provide a meta-analysis of the available evidence. The impact of PPAR variants on the susceptibility to NASH in specific subgroup of patients, and in particular on the response to therapies, especially those targeting PPARs, represents promising new areas of investigation. Paola Dongiovanni and Luca Valenti Copyright © 2013 Paola Dongiovanni and Luca Valenti. All rights reserved. Mon, 04 Feb 2013 15:36:44 +0000 http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ppar/2013/686525/ Diabetic retinopathy (DR) remains as the leading cause of blindness among working age individuals in developed countries. Current treatments for DR (laser photocoagulation, intravitreal corticosteroids, intravitreal anti-VEGF agents, and vitreoretinal surgery) are applicable only at advanced stages of the disease and are associated with significant adverse effects. Therefore, new pharmacological treatments for the early stages of the disease are needed. Emerging evidence indicates that peroxisome proliferator-activator receptors (PPARs) agonists (in particular PPARα) are useful for the treatment of DR. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms are far from being elucidated. This paper mainly focuses on PPARs expression in the diabetic eye, its molecular implications, and the effect of PPAR agonists as a new approach for the treatment of DR. The availability of this new strategy will not only be beneficial in treating DR but may also result in a shift towards treating earlier stages of diabetic retinopathy, thus easing the burden of this devastating disease (Cheung et al. (2010)). Andreea Ciudin, Cristina Hernández, and Rafael Simó Copyright © 2013 Andreea Ciudin et al. All rights reserved. Sun, 03 Feb 2013 15:15:33 +0000 http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ppar/2013/109285/ PPARs are ligand activated transcription factors. PPARγ agonists have been reported as a new and potentially efficacious treatment of inflammation, diabetes, obesity, cancer, AD, and schizophrenia. Since cancer cells show dysregulation of glycolysis they are potentially manageable through changes in metabolic environment. Interestingly, several of the genes involved in maintaining the metabolic environment and the central energy generation pathway are regulated or predicted to be regulated by PPARγ. The use of synthetic PPARγ ligands as drugs and their recent withdrawal/restricted usage highlight the lack of understanding of the molecular basis of these drugs, their off-target effects, and their network. These data further underscores the complexity of nuclear receptor signalling mechanisms. This paper will discuss the function and role of PPARγ in energy metabolism and cancer biology in general and its emergence as a promising therapeutic target in breast cancer. Meena K. Sakharkar, Babita Shashni, Karun Sharma, Sarinder K. Dhillon, Prabhakar R. Ranjekar, and Kishore R. Sakharkar Copyright © 2013 Meena K. Sakharkar et al. All rights reserved. Thu, 03 Jan 2013 15:09:57 +0000 http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ppar/2013/186312/ While an understanding of lipid metabolism in chickens is critical for a further improvement of food production, there are few studies concerning differences in lipid metabolism mechanisms between chickens and other species at a molecular level. Chickens have three PPAR gene subtypes (α, β, and γ) that function differently from those present in humans and mice. The chicken PPAR-gamma (cPPARγ) gene is shorter than that in humans and lacks a γ2 isoform. Moreover, in serum-free media, cPPARγ shows high transcriptional activity without exogenous ligands. Luciferase reporter assays were used to examine the effect of sera on cPPAR transcriptional activities and showed that adult bovine serum and chicken serum highly activate cPPARα and β functions. Moreover, we found that bezafibrate induces the transactivation function of cPPARβ, but not human PPARδ (human PPARβ ortholog). This ligand selectivity relies on one amino acid residue (chicken: Val419, human: Met444). These results show the possibilities for unique functions of cPPARs on chicken-specific lipid glucose metabolism. As such, a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms of lipid metabolism in chickens could result in higher productivity for the poultry industry. Ichiro Takada and Mime Kobayashi Copyright © 2013 Ichiro Takada and Mime Kobayashi. All rights reserved. Tue, 25 Dec 2012 14:38:35 +0000 http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ppar/2012/527607/ Adipocytes and fat cells play critical roles in the regulation of energy homeostasis. Adipogenesis (adipocyte differentiation) is regulated via a complex process including coordinated changes in hormone sensitivity and gene expression. PPAR is a ligand-dependent transcription factor and important in adipogenesis, as it enhances the expression of numerous adipogenic and lipogenic genes in adipocytes. Prostaglandins (PGs), which are lipid mediators, are associated with the regulation of PPAR function in adipocytes. Prostacyclin promotes the differentiation of adipocyte-precursor cells to adipose cells via activation of the expression of C/EBP and . These proteins are important transcription factors in the activation of the early phase of adipogenesis, and they activate the expression of PPAR, which event precedes the maturation of adipocytes. PGE2 and PGF2α strongly suppress the early phase of adipocyte differentiation by enhancing their own production via receptor-mediated elevation of the expression of cycloxygenase-2, and they also suppress the function of PPAR. In contrast, PGD2 and its non-enzymatic metabolite, -, activate the middle-late phase of adipocyte differentiation through both DP2 receptors and PPAR. This paper focuses on potential roles of PGs as PPAR modulators in adipogenesis and regulators of obesity. Ko Fujimori Copyright © 2012 Ko Fujimori. All rights reserved. Thu, 20 Dec 2012 08:41:38 +0000 http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ppar/2012/607141/ Recent studies have revealed that PPARγ’s transactivation function is regulated by extracellular signals. In particular, cytokines and Wnt family proteins suppress the ligand-inducible transactivation function of PPARγ and attenuate adipogenesis/osteoblastogenesis switching in mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). For example, Wnt5a suppresses PPARγ transcriptional activity through the NLK/SETDB1/CHD7 pathway. Among these factors, BMP2 strongly induces bone formation, but the effect of BMP2 on PPARγ function remains unclear. We examined the effect of BMP2 and PPARγ in ST2 cells and found that PPARγ activation affected BMP2’s signaling pathway through epigenetic regulation. Although BMP2 did not interfere with PPARγ-mediated adipogenesis, BMP2 increased mRNA expression levels of PPARγ target genes (such as Fabp4 and Nr1h3) when cells were first treated with troglitazone (TRO). Moreover, PPARγ activation affected BMP2 through enhancement of histone activation markers (acetylated histone H3 and trimethylated Lys4 of histone H3) on the Runx2 promoter. After TRO treatment for three hours, BMP2 enhanced the levels of active histone marks on the promoter of a PPARγ target gene. These results suggest that the order of treatment with BMP2 and a PPARγ ligand is critical for adipogenesis and osteoblastogenesis switching in MSCs. Ichiro Takada, Yoshiko Yogiashi, and Shigeaki Kato Copyright © 2012 Ichiro Takada et al. All rights reserved. Tue, 18 Dec 2012 15:45:20 +0000 http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ppar/2012/701412/ PPARγ is a key regulator of glucose homeostasis and insulin sensitization. PPARγ must heterodimerize with its dimeric partner, the retinoid X receptor (RXR), to bind DNA and associated coactivators such as p160 family members or PGC-1α to regulate gene networks. To understand how coactivators are recognized by the functional heterodimer PPARγ/RXRα and to determine the topological organization of the complexes, we performed a structural study using small angle X-ray scattering of PPARγ/RXRα in complex with DNA from regulated gene and the TIF2 receptor interacting domain (RID). The solution structures reveal an asymmetry of the overall structure due to the crucial role of the DNA in positioning the heterodimer and indicate asymmetrical binding of TIF2 to the heterodimer. Judit Osz, Maxim V. Pethoukhov, Serena Sirigu, Dmitri I. Svergun, Dino Moras, and Natacha Rochel Copyright © 2012 Judit Osz et al. All rights reserved. Sun, 16 Dec 2012 14:47:24 +0000 http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ppar/2012/574180/ Viral hepatitis with hepatitis C virus or hepatitis B virus and chronic liver disease such as alcoholic or nonalcoholic steatohepatitis are critical factors in the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Furthermore, diabetes is known as an independent risk factor for HCC. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) is known to have an important role in fatty liver, and the mechanism of carcinogenesis has been clarified. PPAR controls ligand-dependent transcription, and three subtypes (α, δ, and γ) in humans are known. PPARs could contribute to the mechanisms of cell cycling, anti-inflammatory responses, and apoptosis. Therefore, to clarify the pathogenesis of HCC, we should examine PPAR signaling. In this paper, we have summarized the relevance of PPARs to the pathogenesis of HCC and cancer stem cells and possible therapeutic options through modifying PPAR signaling. Osamu Kimura, Yasuteru Kondo, and Tooru Shimosegawa Copyright © 2012 Osamu Kimura et al. All rights reserved. Sun, 09 Dec 2012 17:40:27 +0000 http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ppar/2012/107434/ Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in human obesity is characterized by the multifactorial nature of the underlying pathogenic mechanisms, which include misregulation of PPARs signaling. Liver PPAR-α downregulation with parallel PPAR-γ and SREBP-1c up-regulation may trigger major metabolic disturbances between de novo lipogenesis and fatty acid oxidation favouring the former, in association with the onset of steatosis in obesity-induced oxidative stress and related long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid n-3 (LCPUFA n-3) depletion, insulin resistance, hypoadiponectinemia, and endoplasmic reticulum stress. Considering that antisteatotic strategies targeting PPAR-α revealed that fibrates have poor effectiveness, thiazolidinediones have weight gain limitations, and dual PPAR-α/γ agonists have safety concerns, supplementation with LCPUFA n-3 appears as a promising alternative, which achieves both significant reduction in liver steatosis scores and a positive anti-inflammatory outcome. This latter aspect is of importance as PPAR-α downregulation associated with LCPUFA n-3 depletion may play a role in increasing the DNA binding capacity of proinflammatory factors, NF-κB and AP-1, thus constituting one of the major mechanisms for the progression of steatosis to steatohepatitis. Luis A. Videla and Paulina Pettinelli Copyright © 2012 Luis A. Videla and Paulina Pettinelli. All rights reserved. Sun, 09 Dec 2012 09:16:21 +0000 http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ppar/2012/596394/ The present study was designed to investigate the pattern of time-dependent expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARα, β, and γ) after global cerebral ischemia and reperfusion (I/R) damage in the rat hippocampus. Male Sprague Dawley (SD) rats were subjected to global cerebral I/R. The rat hippocampi were isolated to detect the expression of PPARs mRNA and protein levels at 30 min–30 d after I/R by RT-PCR and Western blot analysis, respectively. The expression levels of PPARs mRNA and protein in the rat hippocampus significantly increased and peaked at 24 h for PPARα and γ (at 48 h for PPARβ) after I/R, then gradually decreased, and finally approached control levels on d 30. The present results suggest that global cerebral I/R can cause obvious increases of hippocampal PPARs mRNA and protein expression within 15 d after I/R. These findings may help to guide the experimental and clinical therapeutic use of PPARs agonists against brain injury. Hong Wang, Rong Jiang, Qin He, Yunmei Zhang, Yanli Zhang, Yong Li, Ruichun Zhuang, Ying Luo, Yu Li, Jinyuan Wan, Yong Tang, Huarong Yu, Qingsong Jiang, and Junqing Yang Copyright © 2012 Hong Wang et al. All rights reserved. Thu, 06 Dec 2012 16:59:52 +0000 http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ppar/2012/891841/ The main adipogenic transcription factor PPAR possesses high affinity to 2,4-TZD, a member of the Thiazolidinedione family of insulin-sensitizing compounds used as adipogenic agents. We evaluated 2,4-TZD’s effect on bovine growth and PPAR tissue expression. Seventeen Limousin bulls (18 month-old; 350 kg body weight (BW)) were assigned into 2 treatments: control and 2,4-TZD (8 mg/70 kg BW) and were fed until bulls reached 500 kg BW. They were weighed and their blood was sampled. DNA, RNA, and protein were determined in liver; skeletal muscle; subcutaneous (SC), omental, perirenal adipose tissues (AT) to determine protein synthesis rate and cellular size. Expression of PPAR mRNA was measured in liver and muscle (PPAR, -, and -) and SC adipose tissue () by real-time PCR. No significant differences were found () in weight gain, days on feed, and carcass quality. Muscle synthesis was greater in controls (); cell size was larger with 2,4-TZD (). PPAR, -, and - expressions with 2,4-TZD in liver were lower () than in muscle. No differences were found for PPARγ mRNA expression in SCAT. The results suggest the potential use of 2,4-TZD in beef cattle diets, because it improves AT differentiation, liver, and muscle fatty acid oxidation that, therefore, might improve energy efficiency. M. Arévalo-Turrubiarte, L. González-Dávalos, A. Yabuta, J. D. Garza, J. L. Dávalos, O. Mora, and A. Shimada Copyright © 2012 M. Arévalo-Turrubiarte et al. All rights reserved. Thu, 06 Dec 2012 10:30:00 +0000 http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ppar/2012/348245/ The peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) and estrogen-related receptor (ERRα) are ligand-activated nuclear receptors that coordinately regulate gene expression. Recent evidence suggests that nuclear corepressors, NCoR, RIP140, and SMRT, repress nuclear receptors-mediated transcriptional activity on specific promoters, and thus regulate insulin sensitivity, adipogenesis, mitochondrial number, and activity in vivo. Moreover, the coactivator PGC-1α that increases mitochondrial biogenesis during exercise and calorie restriction directly regulates autophagy in skeletal muscle and mitophagy in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease. In this paper, we discuss the PGC-1α’s novel role in mitochondrial quality control and the role of nuclear corepressors in regulating insulin sensitivity and interacting with PGC-1α. Zhengtang Qi and Shuzhe Ding Copyright © 2012 Zhengtang Qi and Shuzhe Ding. 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