Association of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors/retinoic acid receptors with renal diseases

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPAR gamma), belongs to the nuclear receptor superfamily, and is a nuclear transcription receptor involving in the regulation of several biochemical pathways, such as cell growth, differentiation, and apoptosis. The nuclear retinoic acid receptors (RARs) are transcriptional transregulators that control the expression of specific subsets of genes in a ligand-dependent manner, and include three subtypes (RAR alpha, RAR beta, and RAR gamma). These control the expression of specific gene subsets subsequent to ligand binding and to strictly control phosphorylation processes. The current status of knowledge indicates that there might be inter-or overlapping actions between PPAR gamma and RARs, and there might be an association of PPAR gamma/RARs with renal diseases. Various agonists of both receptor families seem to prevent or retard the progression of renal disease. Herein, we review if causal relationships can be established between PPAR gamma/RARs and renal diseases and its manifestations.