PPARs in Calorie Restricted and Genetically Long-Lived Mice

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) are members of the nuclear receptors superfamily. The three subtypes, PPARalpha, PPARgamma, and PPARbeta/delta, are expressed in multiple organs. These transcription factors regulate different physiological functions such as energy metabolism (including lipid and carbohydrate metabolism), insulin action, and immunity and inflammation, and apparently also act as important mediators of longevity and aging. Calorie restriction (CR) is the most effective intervention known to delay aging and increase lifespan. Calorie restriction affects the same physiological functions as PPARs. This review summarizes recent findings on the effects of CR and aging on the expression of PPARgamma, alpha, and beta/delta in mice and discusses possible involvement of PPARs in mediating the effects of murine longevity genes. The levels of PPARs change with age and CR appears to prevent these alterations which make "PPARs-CR-AGING" dependence of considerable interest.