Role of PPARαand Its Agonist in Renal Diseases

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)- α , a member of a large nuclear receptor superfamily, plays a major role in the regulation of lipid metabolism. Recently, PPAR α activation has been shown to confer additional benefits on endothelial function, kidney function, and anti-inflammation, suggesting that PPAR α agonists may be good candidates for treating acute renal failure. In clinical application, PPAR- α activators, such as hypolipidemic drugs in fibric acid class, were proven to have therapeutic effects on metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular disease. This paper focuses on signaling pathways, ligand selectivity, and physio-pathological roles of PPAR α in kidney diseases and the therapeutic utility of PPAR α modulators in the treatment of diabetes and inflammation-induced nephropathy. Implication of new and more potent PPAR- α activators could provide important insights into the overall benefits of activating PPAR- α clinically for the treatment of dyslipidemia and the prevention of diabetic or inflammation-induced nephropathy in the future.