ABSTRACT
Objective To explore the protective effect of proliferator activated receptor-γ (PPAR-γ)activator pioglitazone on the expression of inflammatory cytokines in cultured cortical neurons after ischemia-reperfusion injury and its mechanism. Method The ischemie-reperfusion model was established by deprivating both glucose an oxygen in medium and then gave them back. Medium or that with pioglitazone was added at the beginning of reperfusion. The MTT values of neurons were determined in control or treatment groups, ANOVA was used to detect the expression of PPAR-γ. The expression of tumor necrosis factors-α(TNF-α) and interleukin-lβ(IL-lβ) were detected by Western Blotting. Results Compared to control group, the markedly reduction of MTT values and enhanced expression of PPAR-γ, TNF-a and IL-1β was observed in the ischemia-reperfusion neurons (P < 0.05). After they were treated by pioglitazone, the reduction of MTT values and enhanced expression of TNF-a and IL-1β were prominently reversed by the further activation of PPAR-γ ( P < 0.05). Conclusions Treatment of PPAR-γ activator pioglitazone has protective effect on neurons after ischemia-reperfusion injury. Its mechanism may be associated with the inhibition of inflammation after injury.