A peroxisome-proliferator activated receptor-gamma ligand could regulate the expression of leptin receptor on human hepatic stellate cells.

Leptin is a peptide known to play a profibrogenic role in hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). Peroxisome-proliferator activated receptor (PPAR)-gamma ligands are suggested to have an anti-fibrogenic effect on HSCs. Since the association of these two factors in HSC activation has not been demonstrated, we hypothesized that PPAR-gamma ligands would suppress leptin-induced HSC activation and regulate leptin receptor expression.