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World J Cardiol. Aug 26, 2014; 6(8): 692-705
Published online Aug 26, 2014. doi: 10.4330/wjc.v6.i8.692
Pulmonary hypertension and metabolic syndrome: Possible connection, PPARγ and Caveolin-1
Rajamma Mathew
Rajamma Mathew, Section of Pediatric Cardiology, Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital, Valhalla, NY 10595, United States
Rajamma Mathew, Department of Physiology, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY 10595, United States
Author contributions: Mathew R solely contributed to this paper.
Correspondence to: Rajamma Mathew, MD, Department of Physiology, New York Medical College, Valhalla, Basic Science Building, Rm #A11, Valhalla, NY10595, United States. rajamma_mathew@nymc.edu
Telephone: +1-914-5944750
Received: January 3, 2014
Revised: April 29, 2014
Accepted: June 27, 2014
Published online: August 26, 2014
Processing time: 257 Days and 13.3 Hours
Core Tip

Core tip: Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a devastating disease with a high morbidity and mortality rate. Recent studies indicate that the metabolic alterations that occur during the course of PH have a negative effect. Importantly, PH has been observed in patients with metabolic syndrome. Caveolin-1, a membrane protein and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ, a ligand activated transcription factor are abundantly expressed in vascular cells and adipocytes. They play a significant role in maintaining vascular health, and participate in glucose and lipid metabolism. Furthermore, the proximity of vasculature and adipose tissue facilitates reciprocal influence during health and disease.