Endocrine Abstracts

Cardiovascular disease is significantly increased in patients with the metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes. A clustering of risk factors, including dyslipidemia, insulin resistance, hypertension, inflammation and coagulation disorders result in an increased risk for cardiovascular events in these patients. PPARs (Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptors) and LXRs are ligand-activated transcription factors that control lipid and glucose metabolism, as well as the inflammatory response. Since the macrophage plays an important role in host defence and immuno-inflammatory pathologies, particular attention has been paid to the role of PPARs and LXRs in the control of macrophage gene expression and function. Research over the last few years has revealed important roles for LXRs, PPARα and PPARγ in macrophage inflammation and cholesterol homeostasis with consequences for atherosclerosis development. In this presentation we will discuss the role of these transcription factors in the control of macrophage activities.