 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
ABSTRACT |
|---|
| Peroxisome proliferator activating receptors (PPARs) are important regulators of adipose tissue and fat metabolism in humans and other animal models. Selective and tissue specific roles have been elucidated for PPAR *,* and *, and for PPARs in combination with other receptors as heterodimers. In particular, selective activation of the heterodimer between PPAR* and the retinoid X receptor (RXR) can help control the symptoms of patients with non-insulin dependent diabetes mekitus (NIDDM or type 2 diabetes) such as hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia and hyperinsulinemia. Important therapeutic PPAR agonists include thiazolidinediones and N-(2-benzoylphenyl) tyrosine analogues. Some selective agonists have also been developed which do not cause the side effects commonly associated with nonselective PPAR agonists such as body weight gain and hepatotoxicity. This article reviews recent developments in research on these steroid hormone receptors, with particular emphasis on metabolic effects, ligand selectivity, structure and regulation of the PPAR*/RXR heterodimer. |