Jichun Yang, Yunfeng Zhou, Y. Guan
Jan 1, 2012
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2
Influential Citations
62
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Journal
Current Opinion in Nephrology and Hypertension
Abstract
Purpose of reviewPeroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR&ggr;) is a ligand-activated nuclear transcription factor that regulates many important physiological processes including glucose and lipid metabolism, energy homeostasis, cell proliferation, inflammation, immunity and reproduction. The current review aims to summarize and discuss recent findings evaluating the protective effects of PPAR&ggr; against kidney diseases with a focus on diabetic nephropathy. We will also delineate the potential underlying mechanisms. Recent findingsPPAR&ggr; plays important roles in renal physiology and pathophysiology. Agonists of PPAR&ggr; exert protective effects against various kidney diseases including diabetic nephropathy, ischemic renal injury, IgA nephropathy, chemotherapy-associated kidney damage, polycystic kidney diseases and age-related kidney diseases via both systemic and renal actions. SummaryPPAR&ggr; agonists are effective in delaying and even preventing the progression of many renal diseases, especially diabetic nephropathy. PPAR&ggr; may represent a promising target for the treatment of renal diseases.