PPARγ as a therapeutic target in diabetic nephropathy and other renal diseases

Purpose of review Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR gamma) is a ligand-activated nuclear transcription factor that regulates many important physiological processes including glucose and lipid metabolism, energy homeostasis, cell proliferation, inflammation, immunity and reproduction. The current review aims to summarize and discuss recent findings evaluating the protective effects of PPAR gamma against kidney diseases with a focus on diabetic nephropathy. We will also delineate the potential underlying mechanisms. Recent findings PPAR gamma plays important roles in renal physiology and pathophysiology. Agonists of PPAR gamma exert protective effects against various kidney diseases including diabetic nephropathy, ischemic renal injury, IgA nephropathy, chemotherapy-associated kidney damage, polycystic kidney diseases and age-related kidney diseases via both systemic and renal actions. Summary PPAR gamma agonists are effective in delaying and even preventing the progression of many renal diseases, especially diabetic nephropathy. PPAR gamma may represent a promising target for the treatment of renal diseases.