PPARγ as a Therapeutic Target in Myositis: Current Perspectives on Repurposed Drugs and Phytochemicals
Abstract
Myositis refers to a cluster of rare chronic autoimmune disorders defined by muscle inflammation and progressive weakness. Standard therapy such as corticosteroids and immunosuppressants has considerable toxicity associated with them and is frequently ineffective in controlling the disease. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ), a ligand activated nuclear receptor, has been implicated in myositis as well for its function on the regulation of inflammation and metabolism. PPARγ activation inhibits inflammatory pathways including, in particular, NF-κB signaling and guides immune resolution. In this review, the mechanistic role of PPARγ in myositis is discussed and drug repurposing, a strategy to screen for well-known FDA-approved compounds with putative PPARγ-modulating activity, is considered. Moreover, the similarities between phytochemicals (in particular flavonoids) and small molecules render the former as natural ligands
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