Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) are members of the nuclear hormone receptor superfamily which form heterodimers with retinoid X receptors (RXRs) in nucleus and bind to the PPAR response elements (PPREs) of target genes, leading to a wide spectrum of physiological functions. With an improved understanding of its physiological role, PPARδ and its agonist have been gaining attention in cancer research in recent years. Despite the paucity of research concerning the direct relationship between PPARδ and gastric cancer, there is substantial evidence that PPARδ may play a role in the development of gastric cancer. This review focuses on recent literature describing the role of PPARδ, especially in its association with nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and Wnt-β-catenin/TCF-4 pathways on gastric tumorigenesis and highlights critical discrepancies that need to be resolved for a more comprehensive understanding of how this receptor modulates gastric tumorigenesis. The potential role of PPARδ as a therapeutic target in the treatment of gastric cancer deserves further research focus.

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