Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma ligands as bone turnover modulators

PPAR-gamma ligands are being used for the treatment of human metabolic disorders; they also exert anti-inflammatory and antineoplastic properties that are now being explored in clinical studies. Recent data have further extended the crucial role of PPAR-gamma and its ligands in bone turnover. This review summarises the latest knowledge of the expression of PPAR-gamma in bone tissue and the regulatory effect of diverse synthetic and natural PPAR-gamma ligands on bone formation and resorption. Taking into account the data so far, PPAR-gamma ligands seem to be able to contribute to the treatment of various bone disorders including osteoporosis, as well as diabetic and age-related osteopoenia.