Targeting PPAR as a therapy to treat multiple sclerosis

Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a neurological disorder that causes chronic paralysis and immense socio-economic problem among young adults. The etiology of MS is not known but it is generally viewed as an autoimmune inflammatory disease of the CNS. Over the past decade, several anti-inflammatory drugs have been developed to control MS symptoms but there is no medical cure. Objective: To evaluate the use and mechanism of action of agonists of PPAR, a family of nuclear receptor transcription factors that regulate inflammation, in treatment of MS. Methods: There are several reports showing beneficial effects of PPAR agonists in treating MS-like disease in animal models. We review recent advances in this field. Results/conclusions: PPAR agonists regulate MS-like disease in animal models by blocking inflammatory signaling pathways, suggesting their use in treatment of MS. Current human trials are likely to confirm the safety and efficacy of PPAR agonists for MS treatment.