PPAR Biology: Insights from Dr. Latruffe's 1999 Review

About Gary E. Landreth, Ph.D.

He is a leading neuroscientist whose groundbreaking work explores the molecular mechanisms of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). His research focuses on neuroinflammation, beta-amyloid toxicity, and the therapeutic potential of PPARγ agonists to protect the brain. A visionary in neurodegeneration, Dr. Landreth’s discoveries have reshaped our understanding of how to combat Alzheimer’s at the cellular level.

Gary E. Landreth, Ph.D.

Professor of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine

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Title

Beta-amyloid plaques in Alzheimer’s trigger neuroinflammation, activating microglia (brain immune cells) to release toxic cytokines that destroy neurons.

Inhibition of Beta-Amyloid-Stimulated Proinflammatory Responses and Neurotoxicity by PPARgamma Agonists

Authors

Landreth GE, et al.

Journal

Journal of Neuroscience (2000)

PMID: 10632585

Method Used

In Vitro Models:

Treated microglia and neurons with beta-amyloid to mimic Alzheimer’s pathology.
Applied PPARγ agonists to assess anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects.

In Vivo Models:

Tested PPARγ agonists in transgenic mice with Alzheimer’s-like amyloid plaques.
Measured plaque reduction, cytokine levels, and cognitive improvements.

Mechanistic Studies:

Used gene expression analysis to identify PPARγ-regulated pathways (e.g., NF-κB inhibition).

Key Discoveries from the 1999 Paper

Dr. Demetri’s work revealed its unexpected role in cancer biology: activating PPARγ forces malignant cells to mature into harmless fat cells, halting tumor growth.