The Dawn of the SPPARMs?
Shamina M. Rangwala and
Mitchell A. Lazar*
Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, Departments of Medicine and Genetics, and The Penn Diabetes Center, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
Summary:
Thiazolidinediones (TZDs) are used as antidiabetic agents in the treatment of type II diabetes. These compounds are ligands for the nuclear hormone receptor PPAR
, which is highly expressed in adipose tissue. PPAR acts as a molecular switch in the process of fat cell development. The quest for the ideal antidiabetic agent is challenged by the need to develop PPAR ligands that improve insulin sensitivity, but do not promote fat cell formation. A newly described PPAR ligand may represent an initial step in this direction and could lead to improved agents for treating insulin resistance in type II diabetes.
*Author contact information. University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, 611 CRB, 415 Curie Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA 19104-6149, USA. Telephone: (215) 898-0198, fax: (215) 898-5408, e-mail: lazar{at}mail.med.upenn.edu
