PPAR-gamma signaling pathway in placental development and function: a potential therapeutic target in the treatment of gestational diseases.

Background: PPAR-gamma is a target for the treatment of metabolic disorders, as Pioglitazone and Rosiglitazone are already used against type 2 diabetes. Pleiotropic functions, such as antiproliferative and anti-inflammatory effects against several pathological states, including cardiovascular disease and cancer, are currently being explored in clinical studies.

Objective: Evidence indicates that PPAR-gamma is expressed in the placenta, playing a crucial role in placental development and function, while PPAR-gamma ligands appear to modulate fetal membrane signals.