Differential modulation of PPARalpha and gamma target gene expression in the liver and kidney of rats treated with aspirin

Exp Toxicol Pathol. 2008 Apr;59(6):391-7. doi: 10.1016/j.etp.2007.11.011. Epub 2008 Jan 25.

Abstract

Aspirin modified peroxisomal enzymatic activities both in the liver and renal cortex of rats, producing typical effects of peroxisomal proliferators (PPs). Although similar increments in beta-oxidation system and catalase activities were observed in both organs, induction of mRNA-Cyp4a10 and mRNA-FAT/CD36, target genes for peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors alpha (PPARalpha) and gamma (PPARgamma), respectively, was only present in the liver. There was no effect on liver mRNA-PPARalpha, while mRNA-PPARgamma was down-regulated, probably as a result of enzymatic inhibition of cyclooxygenases (COXs) by aspirin which has been shown to decrease the levels of PGJ2 and its metabolites, known as strong endogenous ligands for PPARgamma. Typical PP alterations in cell replication and apoptosis were not found during aspirin treatment or after withdrawal, suggesting that peroxisome proliferation occurs without inducing cell cycle alterations. Probably, the synergic action of both PPARalpha and PPARgamma receptors might reduce the impact on cell proliferation and apoptosis.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Aspirin / pharmacology*
  • Cyclooxygenase 1 / metabolism
  • Cyclooxygenase 2 / metabolism
  • Gene Expression / drug effects*
  • Kidney Cortex / drug effects*
  • Kidney Cortex / enzymology
  • Kidney Cortex / metabolism
  • Liver / drug effects*
  • Liver / enzymology
  • Liver / metabolism
  • Male
  • PPAR alpha / agonists
  • PPAR alpha / genetics*
  • PPAR gamma / agonists
  • PPAR gamma / genetics*
  • Peroxisome Proliferators / pharmacology*
  • Rats
  • Rats, Wistar
  • Time Factors

Substances

  • PPAR alpha
  • PPAR gamma
  • Peroxisome Proliferators
  • Cyclooxygenase 1
  • Cyclooxygenase 2
  • Ptgs2 protein, rat
  • Aspirin