| [ Summary ] |
Recently, life styles have changed in relation to anexcessive energy intake of high fat foods and lack of physical activity due to the increased use of automobiles. As a result, there has been an increase in rates of obesity and metabolic syndrome. Metabolic syndrome is indicated by a state of glucose intolerance caused by insulin resistance, leading to development of lipid abnormalities and high blood pressure. Metabolic syndrome is associated with increased risk of colon cancer. In addition, serum levels of triglycerides(TG) and cholesterol have been demonstrated to be positively associated with colon carcinogenesis.
Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) is a nuclear receptor and ligand-activated transcription factor which plays important roles in the control of energy balance. Clinical trials have shown that PPARγ agonists decrease serum levels of LDL-cholesterol and TG and increase serum levels of HDL-cholesterol. PPARγ agonists suppresse both dyslipidemia and colon cancer. PPARγ agonists could be useful as chemopreventive agents for colon cancer. |