Recent advances in PPARs research--basic and clinical aspects

PPARs (peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors), PPARalpha, beta/delta and gamma, play crucial roles in regulation of glucose and lipid metabolism, energy homeostasis and atherosclerosis. Specific and common actions of these three PPARs have recently been elucidated using mice models and specific, dual, or pan-agonists. A number of drugs targeted to PPARs are being developed for metabolic disorders such as diabetes and hyperlipidemia and atherosclerosis diseases. This review focuses the recent advances in PPARs research from basic and clinical aspects.