PPAR-δ: A key nuclear receptor in vascular function and remodeling

Vascular function is critical for the maintenance of body's homeostasis and is tightly regulated by complex interactions among the vessel wall, hemodynamics, neuro-endocrine factors and metabolic alteration. A variety of cardiovascular risks instigate pro-inflammatory and oxidative responses to impair vascular function, leading to pathological vascular remodeling. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-δ (PPAR-δ) is a ligand-activated nuclear receptor and transcription factor that regulates cell growth and differentiation, metabolism and wound healing. Being expressed in vascular endothelial cells, smooth muscle cells and monocytes, PPAR-δ has pleotropic effects in vascular biology and pathology. In this review, we discussed recent advances regarding the functional roles of PPAR-δ as a critical regulator of vascular homeostasis and as a potential target for the intervention of cardiovascular diseases.