Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) in polar bear (Ursus maritimus) as target receptors for environmental pollutants

Environmental pollutants with metabolic disrupting abilities are present in the Arctic. Particularly high levels of pollutants have been found in the apex predator of the Arctic marine food web, the polar bear. This species is dependent on a highly regulated metabolic system as it undergoes a distinct feasting and fasting regime due to seasonal variation in availability of food. Key regulators in consumption and storage of energy are the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs, NR1C), members of the nuclear receptor superfamily.