Picroside II down-regulates matrix metalloproteinase-9 expression following cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury in rats

Studies have shown that Picroside II attenuates inflammatory reactions following brain ischemia through the inhibition of the TLR-4-NF-kB signal transduction pathway, and ameliorates cerebral edema through the reduction of aquaporin-4 expression Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), located downstream of the TLR-4-NF-kB signal transduction pathway, can degrade the neurovascular matrix, damage the blood-brain barrier to induce cerebral edema, and directly result in neuronal apoptosis and brain injury. Therefore, the present study further observed MMP-9 expression in the brain tissues of rats with cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury following Picroside II treatment Results demonstrated that Picroside II significantly reduced MMP-9 expression in ischemic brain tissues, as well as neuronal apoptosis and brain infarct volume, suggesting Picroside II exhibits neuroprotection by down-regulating MMP-9 expression and inhibiting cell apoptosis.