Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors: role of isoform gamma in the antineoplastic effect of iodine in mammary cancer.

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPAR) are ligand-activated transcription factors. Three subtypes--PPAR alpha, PPAR beta, and PPAR gamma--have been identified and are differentially expressed in tissues. Originally, they were described as molecular regulators of lipid metabolism; recently, it has been shown that they are also involved in regulating the cell cycle and apoptosis in both normal and tumoral cells. In fact, some synthetic PPAR ligands are used to treat dyslipidemia, metabolic diseases, and type 2 diabetes. Here, we review the role of PPAR gamma (PPARγ) in tumor initiation and progression, emphasizing the relationship between this isoform and the cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in the antineoplastic effect of iodine on mammary cancer.