Investigation of PPARγ Involvement in Crocin Effects on Apoptosis
Document Type : Original article
Abstract
Background: Apoptosis is an important form of cell death, which is involved in cardiovascular disorders. We investigated the effects of combined crocin and PPARγ antagonist on the expression of regulatory genes involved in apoptosis. Also, we explored whether PPARγ is involved in the protective effect of crocin on apoptosis after myocardial ischemia. Methods: The experimental rats were divided into five groups: control group, Isoprenaline (ISO) group, GW9662 as PPARγ antagonist+ISO, crocin+ISO group, and GW9662+crocin+ISO group. Isoprenaline was injected to induce myocardial ischemia. Results: Findings showed that ISO and GW9662 increased Bax and caspase-3 gene expression and cardiac Creatine Phosphokinase (CPK) marker but decreased Bcl2. Crocin alleviated the expression of Bax and caspase-3 while increased Bcl2. It also reduced CPK levels in serum. However, GW9662 reversed these effects. Conclusion: According to results, crocin may regulate apoptosis through PPARγ activation.
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