Authors: Bassaganya-Riera, Josep; Guri, Amir; King, Jennifer; Hontecillas, Raquel

Source: Current Nutrition & Food Science, Volume 1, Number 2, June 2005 , pp. 179-187(9)

Publisher: Bentham Science Publishers

Abstract:

PPARs are receptors for a highly diverse set of natural lipid molecules of nutritional or endogenous origin. While PPARs are involved in the regulation of metabolic, immune and inflammatory processes, no studies are available that integrate the metabolic and immunomodulatory properties of these receptors. Due to the therapeutic significance of selective agonists, the scientific understanding of PPARs biology derives primarily from experiments that utilized synthetic ligands. However, PPARs have existed in nature for millions of years prior to the development of synthetic ligands. This observation further supports the importance of endogenous/nutritional ligands as regulators of PPAR function. Therefore, the predominantly drug-based investigative approach may not reflect the actual physiological function of PPARs. The goal of this review article is to provide an integrative vision on the role of PPAR , / and , in the interface between metabolic and immunoinflammatory diseases. We will also discuss the differences and similarities between the effects of synthetic and natural PPAR agonists, and examine the actions of the three isoforms both separately and as a part of interconnected nuclear receptor networks. Finally, we will discuss the possible role of adipose tissue as an organ of innate immunity and the link between visceral adipose tissue accumulation and chronic, low-grade inflammatory responses. The better understanding of adipose tissue as an immunoendocrine organ may facilitate the development of novel PPAR-based interventions against metabolic and immune disorders.

Keywords: nuclear; receptors; prostaglandins; transcriptional regulation; retinoid x receptor (rxr); histone acetyl transferases (hat); energy balance; obesity

Document Type: Review article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.2174/1573401054022619

Affiliations: 1: Laboratory of Nutritional Immunology & Molecular Nutrition, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 253 Wallace Hall, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA.

Publication date: 2005-06-01

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• Current Nutrition & Food Science publishes frontier reviews on all the latest advances on basic and clinical nutrition and food sciences. The journal's aim is to publish the highest quality review articles dedicated to research in the field. The journal is essential reading for all nutrition and food scientists.

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