Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor. and colorectal cancer

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) are members of the nuclear hormone receptor superfamily and ligand-activated transcription factors. PPAR. plays an important role in adipocyte differentiation, lipid storage and energy dissipation in adipose tissue, and is involved in the control of inflammatory reactions as well as in glucose metabolism through the improvement of insulin sensitivity. Growing evidence has demonstrated that activation of PPAR. has an antineoplastic effect in tumors, including colorectal cancer. High expression of PPAR. is detected in human colon cancer cell lines and adenocarcinoma. This review describes the molecular mechanisms by which PPAR. regulates tumorigenesis in colorectal cancer, and examines current clinical trials evaluating PPAR. agonists as therapeutic agents for colorectal cancer. (C) 2010 Baishideng. All rights reserved.