Novel Therapeutic Agents in Pediatric Sepsis: Peroxisome Proliferator Receptor γ (PPAR γ) Agonists

Sepsis is characterized by a systemic inflammatory response. Systemic physiologic changes can occur and lead to cellular damage and organ failure. The nuclear receptor, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-(PPAR ), is involved in the regulation of the inflammatory response and is altered in sepsis. Thiazolidinediones (TZDs), and the cyclopentenone prostaglandin, 15d-PGJ 2 , are specific PPAR agonists. Preclinical experimental in vitro and in vivo studies have demonstrated that pharmacological activation of PPAR provides potent anti-inflammatory effects. These agents may have effects at altering the inflammatory response in clinical sepsis.