Attenuation of Colon Inflammation through Activators of the Retinoid X Receptor (Rxr)/Peroxisome Proliferator–Activated Receptor γ (Pparγ) Heterodimer: A Basis for New Therapeutic Strategies

The peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor γ (PPARγ) is highly expressed in the colon mucosa and its activation has been reported to protect against colitis. We studied the involvement of PPARγ and its heterodimeric partner, the retinoid X receptor (RXR) in intestinal inflammatory responses. PPARγ^1/− and RXRα^1/− mice both displayed a significantly enhanced susceptibility to 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS)-induced colitis compared with their wild-type littermates. A role for the RXR/PPARγ heterodimer in the protection against colon inflammation was explored by the use of selective RXR and PPARγ agonists. TNBS-induced colitis was significantly reduced by the administration of both PPARγ and RXR agonists. This beneficial effect was reflected by increased survival rates, an improvement of macroscopic and histologic scores, a decrease in tumor necrosis factor α and interleukin 1β mRNA levels, a diminished myeloperoxidase concentration, and reduction of nuclear factor κB DNA binding activity, c-Jun NH₂-terminal kinase, and p38 activities in the colon. When coadministered, a significant synergistic effect of PPARγ and RXR ligands was observed. In combination, these data demonstrate that activation of the RXR/PPARγ heterodimer protects against colon inflammation and suggest that combination therapy with both RXR and PPARγ ligands might hold promise in the clinic due to their synergistic effects.