PPAR agonists and the metabolic syndrome

Cardiovascular disease is significantly increased in patients with the metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes. A clustering of risk factors, including dyslipidemia, insulin resistance, hypertension, inflammation and coagulation disorders are likely to promote cardiovascular events in these patients. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) represent one important pathway that influence vascular function both directly and indirectly by altering gene expression. Indeed, PPAR activation induces beneficial effects not only on glucose homeostasis and lipid metabolism but also on endothelial function and vessel wall inflammation. PPAR agonists such as fibrates (PPARalpha) and insulin-sensitizing thiazolidinediones (PPARgamma) are in clinical use and may alter the process of atherosclerosis, especially in subjects with the metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes. This review will highlight the emerging evidence for the beneficial effects of PPAR agonists in the prevention and treatment of atherosclerosis in such high-risk patients.