Activation of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha protects against myocardial ischaemic injury and improves endothelial vasodilatation.

ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND:The peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARalpha) plays an important role in the metabolism of lipoproteins and fatty acids, and seems to protect against the development of atherosclerosis. To evaluate the possible protective role of PPARalpha on cardiovascular function, the effect of the PPARalpha agonist, fenofibrate was assessed with respect to ischaemia/reperfusion injury and endothelial function in mice. RESULTS:Fenofibrate treatment reduces myocardial infarction size and improves post-ischaemic contractile dysfunction. Hearts from PPARalpha null mice exhibit increased susceptibility to ischaemic damages and were refractory to protection by fenofibrate treatment suggesting that the beneficial effects of fenofibrate were mediated via PPARalpha. Furthermore, fe

SUBMITTER: Tabernero A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC107837 | biostudies-literature | 2002 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature