Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPARγ) is a member of the ligand-activated nuclear receptor family. Thiazolidinediones, such as rosiglitazone and pioglitazone, are synthetic agonists selective for PPARγ and have been used in the clinical treatment of type 2 diabetes. However, beyond the metabolic effects on glycemic control, PPARγ and its ligands also have profound effects on cardiovascular biological and pathophysiological processes. As cardiovascular diseases are closely associated with insulin resistance, and the major cause of death and complications of type 2 diabetes, a comprehensive understanding of the cardiovascular roles of this receptor is critical for the rational application of the existing agonists and the future development of therapeutic modulators. Therefore, this review will focus on the recent advances regarding the cardiovascular functions of PPARγ and its recognized effects on major cardiovascular diseases, in particular, atherosclerosis and associated processes. (Circ J 2011; 75: 528 - 535)

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