Oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL) particles contain low molecular weight species which promote the differentiation of monocytes via the nuclear receptor PPARγ. One of these substances was recently isolated and purified from oxLDL, and identified as azelaoyl PAF. Azelaoyl PAF is a potent PPARγ agonist which competes for the thiazolidinedione binding site. Azelaoyl PAF is more potent than 15-deoxy-Δ12,14-prostaglandin J2, and equipotent with rosiglitazone as a ligand for this receptor.
