Title:Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor (PPAR) Agonists as Promising New Medications for Drug Addiction: Preclinical Evidence
Volume: 14
Issue: 7
Author(s): Bernard Le Foll, Patricia Di Ciano, Leigh V. Panlilio, Steven R. Goldberg and Roberto Ciccocioppo
Affiliation:
Keywords:
Self-administration, abuse, dependence, stress, nuclear receptors, opioids, nicotine, alcohol, psychostimulants,
PPAR.
Abstract: This review examines the growing literature on the role of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs)
in addiction. There are two subtypes of PPAR receptors that have been studied in addiction: PPAR-α and PPAR-γ. The
role of each PPAR subtype in common models of addictive behavior, mainly pre-clinical models, is summarized. In particular,
studies are reviewed that investigated the effects of PPAR-α agonists on relapse, sensitization, conditioned place
preference, withdrawal and drug intake, and effects of PPAR-γ agonists on relapse, withdrawal and drug intake. Finally,
studies that investigated the effects of PPAR agonists on neural pathways of addiction are reviewed. Taken together these
preclinical data indicate that PPAR agonists are promising new medications for drug addiction treatment.
