The role of peroxisome proliferators-activated receptors (PPARγ) in neoplasms of endocrine glands

Abstract

The peroxisome proliferators-activated receptors gamma (PPAR) belong to the family of nuclear receptors, which directly regulate transcription of target genes. PPARγ take part in many processes such as adipogenesis, glucose and lipid metabolism, atherosclerosis and inflammation and carcinogenesis. The expression of PPARγ was detected in normal and tumor cells of endocrine glands. Activation of receptors by specific ligands of PPARγ induces inhibition of cell proliferation, induction of apoptosis and terminal differentiation as well as inhibition of angiogenesis. In the present paper the structure, tissue expression and biological function of PPARγ are presented. The reports about oncostatic effects of PPARγ agonists in pituitary adenomas, thyroid cancers and adrenal tumor are reviewed. (Pol J Endocrinol 2008; 59 (2): 156-166)