Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors and acute lung injury

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) are members of the nuclear hormone receptor superfamily of ligand-activated transcription factors that are related to retinoid, steroid and thyroid hormone receptors. The PPAR subfamily comprises three members: PPAR-α, PPAR-β and PPAR-γ. PPARs have recently been implicated as regulators of cellular proliferation and inflammatory responses. Furthermore, it has been demonstrated that PPAR-γ and PPAR-α reduce lung injury associated with inflammation and shock.