Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors: Targets for the treatment of metabolic illnesses (Review)

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) belong to a family of transcription factors of which three isotypes, PPAR alpha, PPAR delta (beta) and PPAR gamma, are known. These play a central role in regulating intermediate metabolism and in incidences of inflammation. In recent years, a greater understanding of their mechanisms of action and their effects, principally in the management of cardiovascular disease, has been achieved. PPAR agonists, catalysts and agents have been used since the 1990s, when it was confirmed that fibrates possess lipid modifying properties-when selectively activating PPARa. In addition, thiazolidinediones, structures analogous to fibrates, showed PPAR gamma activity with an insulin-sensitizing effect, leading to their use in the control and even prevention of diabetes mellitus type 2. Currently, studies are oriented to the development of agents that activate multiple PPAR isoforms - not only dual (PPAR alpha/gamma), but also PPAR pan-agonists (alpha/gamma/delta). The purpose of this review is to explain the mechanisms of the molecular action and the effects of PPAR agonists, and also to analyze existing and current studies concerning their use in cardiovascular and metabolic illnesses.