Stroke Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Stroke, including details on treatment, recovery, rehabilitation, signs, symptoms.

PPAR-gamma: therapeutic target for ischemic stroke.

Culman J, Zhao Y, Gohlke P, Herdegen T

Institute of Pharmacology, University Hospital of Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, Hospitalstrasse 4, 24105 Kiel, Germany.

The peroxisome proliferator activated receptors (PPARs), which belong to the nuclear receptor superfamily, are key regulators of glucose and fat metabolism. The PPAR-gamma isoform is involved in the regulation of cellular glucose uptake, protection against atherosclerosis and control of immune reactions. In addition, the activation of PPAR-gamma effectively attenuates neurodegenerative and inflammatory processes in the brain. Here, we review a novel aspect of beneficial and clinically relevant PPAR-gamma actions: neuroprotection against ischemic injury mediated by intracerebral PPAR-gamma, which is expressed in neurons and microglia. Together with the recent observation that the PPAR-gamma ligand pioglitazone reduces the incidence of stroke in patients with type 2 diabetes, this review supports the concept that activators of PPAR-gamma are effective drugs against ischemic injury.

Published 7 May 2007 in Trends Pharmacol Sci, 28(5): 244-9.
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