Dissecting the role of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-ß/δ (PPARß/δ) in colon, breast, and lung carcinogenesis.

ABSTRACT

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-ß/δ (PPARß/δ) is a promising drug target since its agonists increase serum high-density lipoprotein; decrease low-density lipoprotein, triglycerides, and insulin associated with metabolic syndrome; improve insulin sensitivity; and decrease high fat diet-induced obesity. PPARß/δ agonists also promote terminal differentiation and elicit anti-inflammatory activities in many cell types. However, it remains to be determined whether PPARß/δ agonists can be developed as therapeutics because there are reports showing either pro- or anti-carcinogenic effects of PPARß/δ in cancer models. This review examines studies reporting the role of PPARß/δ in colon, breast, and lung cancers. The prevailing evidence would suggest that targeting PPARß/δ is not only safe but could have anti-carcinogenic protective effects.