Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors as biomarkers in cerebrovascular diseases: A narrative review
Xin Xu, Qianqian Chen, Shun Li, Tianqing Xiong
Abstract
Cerebrovascular disease, a critical global health challenge, profoundly affects the quality and longevity of human life due to its alarmingly high incidence, disability, mortality, recurrence rate, and extensive complications. The underlying risk factors, particularly the combined effects of hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and hyperglycemia, exacerbate this disease burden. Recent breakthroughs have highlighted the role of biomarkers, specifically peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors, as a member of the nuclear transcription factor family, in regulating essential physiological and pathological processes, including fat metabolism, inflammation, cancer progression, neurodegeneration, and cardiovascular health. This paper reviews the role of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) in cerebrovascular disease and its associated risk factors. It focuses on the three core members of the PPAR family—PPARα, PPARβ/δ, and PPARγ—which play a crucial role in regulating the complex network of cerebrovascular diseases and their associated risk factors. These three PPAR isoforms not only regulate the balance and distribution of lipids in the body by finely tuning various aspects of fat metabolism, but also modulate key physiological and pathological processes, including inflammatory responses, cell proliferation, and differentiation. The mechanisms by which PPARs operate are both complex and subtle, and their widespread influence makes them potential bridges between basic research and clinical practice. Developing targeted interventions for PPARs to enable precision medicine and personalized management of cerebrovascular diseases could provide more effective, safer, and tailored treatment options for patients with these conditions.