Peroxisome proliferators

The classic example of a peroxisome proliferator is clofibrate. This compound was developed as a drug for the treatment of hyperlipidaemia disorders. Given to rodents, it induces the proliferation in the liver of peroxisomes and, at high concentrations over a prolonged period of time, induces the development of hepatomas. A number of other compounds are now known to possess this property, many of them structural analogues of clofibrate (Reddy and Rao, 1986). 

In their review some years ago, Reddy and Rao (1986) cited several lines of evidence for peroxisome-proliferation-mediated oxidative stress being associated with hepatocarcinogenesis. They mentioned the sustained increase in hydrogen peroxide production, the detectable increased levels of hydrogen peroxide in the livers of treated animals, increased lipid peroxidation associated with treatment and marked inhibition of hepatocarcinogenesis by antioxidant compounds. However, definitive studies remain to be carried out. 

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On the basis of these differences in species response it was concluded that phthalates do not pose a significant health hazard to humans. This view is home out by the EU Commission decision of July 25, 1990 which states that DEHP shall not be classified or labeled as a carcinogenic or an irritant substance (42). This has been reaffirmed in a comprehensive review (43) which concludes that "peroxisome proliferators constitute a discrete class of nongenotoxic rodent hepatocarcinogens and that the relevance of thek hepatocarcinogenic effects for human hazard assessment is considered to be negligible."... 

The thiazolidinediones have also been reported to act as inhibitors of the respiratory chain at high concentrations, and this appears to account for their ability to activate AMGPK in cultured cells. However, the primary target of the thiazolidinediones appears to be the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-y ( PPAR-y), a member of the nuclear receptor superfamily expressed in adipocytes. One of the major effects of stimulation of PPAR-y in adipocytes is the release ofthe... 

HMG-CoA-Reductase-Inhibitors Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Recqrtors (PPARs) ACE Inhibitors Antiplatelet Drugs... 

Thiazolidinediones (PPARy-agonists) Thiazolidine-diones ( pioglitazone, rosiglitazone) lower blood glucose levels in animal models of insulin resistance and also in insulin resistant patients. They are agonists of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor y (PPARy). Because they enhance the effect of insulin and reduce serum insulin levels in insulin resistant patients, thiazolidinediones are usually referred to as insulin sensitizers . 

A peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) binding site was identified in the murine FATP1 promoter. Several reports have shown a positive regulation of mouse FATPs by ligands that activate PPAR-a, PPAR-y, or PPAR-y/RXR heterodimers. 

Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor (PPARs) HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitors... 

Thiazolidinediones (synonyms glitazones, insulin sensitizers rosiglitazone, pioglitazone) are a novel class of oral antidiabetic drugs that activate the transcription factor peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPARy). Thiazolidinediones ameliorate insulin resistance in obese animal models and in individuals... 

Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptors (PPARs) Diabetes Mellitus... 

Finally, it has to be mentioned that LPA also has an intracellular target site, which is the nuclear transcription factor, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-y (PPARy). LPA competes for thiazolidinedione binding and activates PPARy-dependent gene transcription. Thereby, LPA induced neointima formation in a rat carotid artery model. 

Persistent activation of PPARa can induce the development of hepatocellular carcinoma in susceptible rodent species by a nongenotoxic mechanism, i.e., one that does not involve direct DNA damage by peroxisome proliferator chemicals or their metabolites. This hepatocarcinogenic response is abolished in mice deficient in PPARa, underscoring the central role of PPARa, as opposed to that of two other mammalian PPAR forms (PPARy and PPAR5), in peroxisome proliferator chemical-induced hepatocarcinogenesis. Other toxic responses, such as kidney and testicular toxicities caused by exposure to certain phthalate... 

Peraza MA, Burdick AD, Marin HE et al (2006) The toxicology of ligands for peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPAR). Toxicol Sci 90 269-295... 

Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptors. Figure 1 Common structural and functional features of nuclear receptor transcription factors. Consistent with other members of the nuclear receptor superfamily, the PPARs have a modular domain structure consisting of domains A/B, C, D, and E. Each domain is associated with specific functions. 

Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptors. Figure 2 Binding of PPAR RXR heterodimers to DR1 PPRE-responsive elements. Abbreviations DR1, a direct repeat organization of the A/GGGTCA hexamer half-site separated by a single nucleotide spacer. 

Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptors. Figure 3 Transcription of PPAR target genes. A schematic representation of the transcription of PPAR-regulated genes in the absence (a) and presence (b) of PPAR ligand. Abbreviations PPAR-RE, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-response element RNA Pol II, RNA polymerase II TATA-BP, TATA-binding protein. 

Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptors. Table 4 Summary of the physiological actions of PPAR isotypes and their synthetic ligands... 

Di- and mono-esters of phthalic acid, an ortho-dicarboxylic acid derivative of benzene. These compounds are widely used as industrial plasticizers to coat polyvinylchloride surfaces of plastics used in food packaging and medical devices (iv drip bags, blood storage bags, etc.) and are common environmental contaminants. Several phthalate mono-esters are peroxisome proliferator chemicals and can activate the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor PPAR. 

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