Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma as modulator of inflammation in pulmonary sarcoidosis.

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) includes the family of ligand-activated transcription factors which belong to the group of nuclear hormone receptors and are connected to retinoid, glucocorticoid and thyroid hormone receptors. There are three subtypes of PPARs: PPARalpha (also known as NR1C3), PPARgamma (known as NR1C1) and PPARdelta (known as PPARbeta or NR1C2). All of them take part in the metabolism, cell proliferation and immune response. PPARgamma and PPARalpha are identified as important immunomodulators and potentially represent an anti-inflammatory target for respiratory diseases. PPARgamma deficiency in the lungs has been observed in the inflammatory diseases such as asthma, pulmonary alveolar proteinosis, fibrosis and sarcoidosis, as well as in the animal models of the lung inflammation. A small number of papers concerned with PPARgamma in sarcoidosis pointto the lowered activity of this factor in the alveolar macrophages and a lowered gene expression for the PPARgamma, while the activity is preserved in healthy individuals. At the same time, an increased activity of the nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kappaB) in the bronchoalveolar lavage has been recorded in patients with sarcoidosis. The reason for the decrease in the production of PPARgamma in sarcoidosis remains unknown. Several possible mechanisms are mentioned: genetic defect with lowered production, down-regulation due to the increased values of IFN-gamma or an increased decomposition of PPARgamma. Further investigation will explain the mechanisms regarding the decreased production of PPARgamma in sarcoidosis.