Although it has been demonstrated that peroxisome proliferator activated receptors (PPARs) are abound in human placenta during pregnancy, the physiological function of PPARs is still not clear. This review focused on the PPARs structural features, action mechanism, distribution and function in the human placenta, and the possible relationship with pathological pregnancy, so as to reveal the role of PPARs in placenta and fetal development, pregnancy-maintenance and the start of labor.