Abstract
Metabolic syndrome is defined as the clustering of multiple metabolic abnormalities, including abdominal obesity, dyslipidemia (high serum triglycerides and low serum HDL-cholesterol levels), glucose intolerance and hypertension. The pathophysiology underlying metabolic syndrome involves a complex interaction of crucial factors, but two of these, insulin resistance and obesity (especially visceral obesity), play a major role. The nuclear receptors Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptors (PPAR)α and PPARγ are therapeutic targets for hypertriglyceridemia and insulin resistance, respectively. Evidence is now emerging that the PPARβ/δ isotype is a potential pharmacological target for the treatment of disorders associated with metabolic syndrome. PPARβ/δ activation increases lipid catabolism in skeletal muscle, heart and adipose tissue and improves the serum lipid profile and insulin sensitivity in several animal models. In addition, PPARβ/δ ligands prevent weight gain and suppress macrophage-derived inflammation. These data are promising and indicate that PPARβ/δ ligands may become a therapeutic option for the treatment of metabolic syndrome. However, clinical trials in humans assessing the efficacy and safety of these drugs should confirm these promising perspectives in the treatment of the metabolic syndrome.
Keywords: PPAR, fatty acid, obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus, metabolic syndrome
Related Journals
Related Books
New Findings from Natural Substances
Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Production: An Introductory Textbook
Evidence-Based Research in Ayurveda against COVID-19 in Compliance with Standardized Protocols and Practices
Pharmaceuticals for Targeting Coronaviruses
Medical Applications of Beta-Glucan
Nanotechnology Driven Herbal Medicine for Burns: From Concept to Application
Postbiotics: Science, Technology and Applications
Biologically Active Natural Products from Asia and Africa: A Selection of Topics
79