15-Deoxy-Delta-(12,14)-Prostaglandin J2 Effects In Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells: Implications In Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell Proliferation And Contractility

15-Deoxy-Delta-(12,14)-prostaglandin J2 (15d-PGJ2) is an endogenous agonist of the ligand dependent transcriptional factor, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor -gamma (PPAR-gamma). Although PPAR-gamma mediates some actions of 15d-PGJ2, many actions of 15d-PGJ2 are independent of PPAR-gamma. The PPAR-gamma signaling pathway has beneficial effects on tumor progression, inflammation, oxidative stress, and angiogenesis in numerous studies. In this re-view, various studies were analyzed to understand the effects of 15d-PGJ2 in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC)s. 15d-PGJ2 inhibits proliferation of VSMCs during vascular remodeling and it alters the expression of contractile proteins and inflammatory components within these cells as well. However, the effects of 15d-PGJ2 as well as its ability to induce PPAR-gamma activation remains controversial as contradictory effects of this prostaglandin in VSMCs exist. Understanding the mechanisms by which 15d-PGJ2 elicit beneficial actions whether by PPAR-gamma activation or independently, will aid in developing new therapeutic strategies for diseases such as hypertension with an inflammatory component. Although great advances are being made, more research is needed to reach definitive conclusions.