Resveratrol inhibits MMP-9 expression by up-regulating PPAR α expression in an oxygen glucose deprivation-exposed neuron model

Resveratrol (trans-3,4′,5-trihydroxystilbene, Res) is a natural polyphenol. A recent experiment confirmed that Res can selectively activate both peroxisome proliferators-activated receptors (PPAR) α and γ. In addition, Res can protect neurons by matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) down-regulation. The relationship between Res, MMP-9 and PPAR α or γ was studied in an oxygen glucose deprivation-exposed neuron model. It showed that Res can inhibit mRNA and protein expression of MMP-9, while it up-regulates the expression of PPAR α and γ. The effect of Res on both PPAR α and MMP-9 can be offset partially by MK886. However, PPAR γ antagonist GW9662 had little effect on MMP-9 expression. These results suggest that Res can inhibit MMP-9 expression by up-regulating PPAR α.