Targeting neuronal apoptosis after intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) may be an important therapeutic strategy for ICH patients. Emerging evidence indicates that C1q/TNF-Related Protein 9 (CTRP9), a newly discovered adiponectin receptor agonist, exerts neuroprotection in cerebrovascular disease. The aim of this study was to investigate the anti-apoptotic role of CTRP9 after experimental ICH and to explore the underlying molecular mechanisms. ICH was induced in mice via intrastriatal injection of bacterial collagenase. Recombinant CTRP9 (rCTRP9) was administrated intranasally at 1 h after ICH. To elucidate the underlying mechanisms, adiponectin receptor1 small interfering ribonucleic acid (AdipoR1 siRNA) and selective PI3 K inhibitor LY294002 were administered prior to rCTRP9 treatment. Western blots, neurofunctional assessments, immunofluorescence staining, and Fluoro-Jade C (FJC) staining experiments were performed. Administration of rCTRP9 significantly improved both short- and long-term neurofunctional behavior after ICH. RCTRP9 treatment significantly increased the expression of AdipoR1, PI3 K, p-Akt, and Bcl-2, while at the same time was found to decrease the expression of Bax in the brain, which was reversed by inhibition of AdipoR1 and PI3 K. The neuroprotective effect of rCTRP9 after ICH was mediated by attenuation of neuronal apoptosis via the AdipoR1/PI3K/Akt signaling pathway; therefore, rCTRP9 should be further evaluated as a potential therapeutic agent for ICH patients.
Keywords: C1q/TNF-related protein 9; PI3K/Akt signaling; adiponectin receptor 1; intracerebral hemorrhage; neuronal apoptosis.