Anti-atherosclerotic effects of PPAR gamma ligands

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma(PPAR gamma) belongs to a nuclear receptor super family which is activated by insulin sensitizer, thiazolidinediones. The expression of PPAR gamma was detected in the vascular tissues and PPAR gamma ligands have various effects on all cells which constitute the vasculature including endothelial cells, vascular smooth muscle cells and monocytes/macrophages. The net effect by PPAR gamma ligands is proven to be anti-atherosclerosis. In various atherosclerogenic mouse models and balloon injury model, PPAR gamma ligands attenuate atherosclerotic lesion formation and intimal hyperplasia. In human study, various beneficial effects by PPAR gamma ligands were reported in terms of atherogenesis. PPAR gamma ligands attenuate the increase in intima-media thickness in diabetic patients. However, long-term effects remain to be seen.