PPAR alpha, beta and gamma in Autism, Heart Disease and Diabetes
In recent posts we have looked at PPARα ( Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha) and PEA ( Palmitoylethanolamide) , which activates it. Both appeared to me to have some very interesting properties. PPARα has siblings - PPARβ, and PPARγ. It may not come as a surprise that one of these is currently at the centre on clinical trials for autism. But is it the right one? Thiazolidinediones (TZDs) are agonists of PPAR gamma (PPARγ), a nuclear hormone receptor which modulates insulin sensitivity, and have been shown to induce apoptosis in activated T-lymphocytes and exert anti-inflammatory effects in glial cells. The TZD pioglitazone (Actos) is an FDA-approved PPARγ agonist used to treat type 2 diabetes, with a good safety profile. Pioglitazone is currently in Phase 2 trials for autism. Dose Finding Study of Pioglitazone in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) The full version of the earlier study was:- Effect of pioglitazone treatmen...