摘要
The physiological and pharmacological roles of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-x3b2; (PPARx3b2;-also referred to as PPARδ) are just beginning to emerge. It has recently become clear that PPARx3b2; has a function in epithelial tissues, but controversy exists due to inconsistencies in the literature. There is strong evidence that ligand activation of PPARx3b2; can induce terminal differentiation of keratinocytes, with a concomitant inhibition of cell proliferation. However, the role of PPARx3b2; in keratinocyte-specific apoptosis is less clear. Additionally, the role of PPARx3b2; in colonic epithelium remains unclear due to conflicting evidence suggesting that ligand activation of PPARx3b2; can potentiate, as well as attenuate, intestinal cancer. Recent studies revealed that ligand activation of PPARx3b2; can induce fatty acid catabolism in skeletal muscle and is associated with improved insulin sensitivity, attenuated weight gain and elevated HDL levels thus demonstrating promising potential for targeting PPARx3b2; for treating obesity, dyslipidemias and type 2 diabetes. Therefore, it becomes critical to determine the safety of PPARx3b2; ligands. This review focuses on recent literature describing the role of PPARx3b2; in epithelial tissues and highlights critical discrepancies that need to be resolved for a more comprehensive understanding of how this receptor modulates epithelial homeostasis.