PPARγ; and Its Ligands: Potential Antitumor Agents in the Digestive System

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) is a versatile member of the ligandactivated nuclear hormone receptor superfamily of transcription factors, with expression in several different cell lines, especially in the digestive system. After being activated by its ligand, PPARγ can suppress the growth of oral, esophageal, gastric, colorectal, liver, biliary, and pancreatic tumor cells, suggesting that PPARγ ligand is a potential anticancer agent in PPARγ-expressing tumors. This review highlights key advances in understanding the effects of PPARγ ligands in the treatment of tumors in the digestive system. Keywords: Antitumor, chemoprevention, digestive system, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ, thiazolidinediones (TZDs), tumor cells.