Abstract
Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) are members of a steroid hormone receptor superfamily that responds to changes in lipid and glucose homeostasis. Peroxisomal proliferator-activated receptor subtype gamma (PPARgamma) has received much attention as the target for antidiabetic drugs, as well as its role in responding to endogenous compounds such as prostaglandin J(2). However, thiazolidinediones (TZDs), the synthetic agonists of the PPARgamma are tightly associated with fluid retention and edema, as potentially serious side effects. The epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) represents the rate limiting step for sodium absorption in the renal collecting duct. Consequently, ENaC is a central effector impacting systemic blood volume and pressure. The role of PPARgamma agonists on ENaC activity remains controversial. While PPARgamma agonists were shown to stimulate ENaC-mediated renal salt absorption, probably via Serum- and Glucocorticoid-Regulated Kinase 1 (SGK1), other studies reported that PPARgamma agonist-induced fluid retention is independent of ENaC activity. The current paper provides new insights into the control and function of ENaC and ENaC-mediated sodium transport as well as several other epithelial channels/transporters by PPARs and particularly PPARgamma. The potential contribution of arachidonic acid (AA) metabolites in PPAR-dependent mechanisms is also discussed.