CTRP3 Activates the AMPK/SIRT1-PGC-1α Pathway to Protect Mitochondrial Biogenesis and Functions in Cerebral Ischemic Stroke

C1q/tumor necrosis factor-related protein-3 (CTRP3) had shown its angiogenesis and enhancement of mitochondrial biogenesis properties in the treatment of myocardial infarction, but its potential roles in cerebral ischemic stroke had not been fully understood. This study aimed to clarify the underlying mechanism of how CTRP3 regulated mitochondrial functions in hippocampal neuronal cells (HPPNCs) after oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD)/reoxygenation (R) treatment. Results showed that impeded CTRP3 expression and weakened viability were detected in OGD/R treated HPPNCs. CTRP3 showed its ability to enhance the viability and inhibited apoptosis of HPPNCs after OGD/R treatment and it could also promote the mitochondrial biogenesis and physiological functions. Silencing of PGC-1 alpha partially abolished the protective function of CTRP3 on mitochondria and CTRP3 mediated the expression of PGC-1 alpha via the AMPK/SIRT1-PGC-1 alpha pathway. These findings provided information that CTRP3 prevented mitochondria from OGD/R injury through activating the AMPK/SIRT1-PGC-1 alpha pathway. Our study suggested that CTRP3 might have the potential to become an emerging protective agent applied in the reperfusion treatment of ischemic stroke.