Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor agonists and reversal of vascular degeneration through DNA repair, a step toward drug-induced regenerative medicine

Endothelial dysfunction with subsequent degeneration and vasoocclusive remodeling is the hallmark of many cardiovascular disorders including pulmonary vascular disease (PVD). To date, the available treatments slows disease progression but does not prevent deterioration. Reversing such pathologies would spare many patients risky surgeries and long waiting lists for a possible organ donor. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor agonists were first introduced as sole insulin sensitizers, however, there is increasing body of evidence that they have different actions on DNA which might help reverse vascular degeneration. This effect appears to be mainly achieved through enhancement of DNA damage responses (DDR). The aforementioned effect could offer new insights about repurposing drugs for achieving organ or tissue regeneration, an understudied field named drug-induced regenerative medicine.