Expression and function of PPAR gamma in rat and human vascular smooth muscle cells

Background-Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPAR gamma) is activated by fatty acids, eicosanoids, and insulin-sensitizing thiazolidin ediones (TZDs). The TZD troglitazone (TRO) inhibits vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) proliferation and migration in vitro and in postinjury intimal hyperplasia. Methods and Results-Rat and human VSMCs express mRNA and nuclear receptors for PPAR gamma 1. Three PPAR gamma ligands, the TZDs TRO and rosiglitazone and the prostanoid 15-deoxy-Delta(12,14)-prostaglandin J2 (15d-PGJ2), all i nhibited VSMC proliferation and migration. PPAR gamma is upregulated in rat neointima at 7 days and 14 days after balloon injury and is also present i n early human atheroma and precursor lesions. Conclusions-Pharmacological activation of PPAR gamma expressed in VSMCs inh ibits their proliferation and migration, potentially limiting restenosis an d atherosclerosis. These receptors are upregulated during vascular injury.