PPAR gamma is implicated in numerous diseases including obesity, diabetes, atherosclerosis and cancer. PPAR gamma activators include prostanoids, fatty acids, thiazolidinediones and N-(2-benzoylphenyl) tyrosine analogues. A key component in adipocyte differentiation and fat-specific gene expression, PPAR gamma may modulate macrophage functions such as proinflammatory activities, and stimulate oxidized low-density lipoprotein (x-LDL) uptake. A Pro12Ala polymorphism of the PPAR gamma2 gene has been reported to reduce transactivation activity in vitro. This substitution may affect the immune response to ox-LDL and be associated with type 2 diabetes. In addition, the Pro12Ala variant of the PPAR gamma2 gene maybe correlated with abdominal obesity in type 2 diabetes.