Abstract:Abstract: Objective To explore the effect and influence of over-expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ1 (PPARγ1) gene on the apoptosis of myocardial cells after ischemia reperfusion. Methods Thirty SD rats were randomly divided into three groups (10 in each group), i.e. group A (sham group), group B(myocardial ischemia-reperfusion group) and group C (PPARγ1 gene group). Myocardial tissues were transfected with recombinant adenovirus vector mediated enhanced green fluorescent protein (Ad-EGFP) via coronary artery in the groups A and B. Myocardial tissues were transfected with recombinant adenovirus vector mediated PPARγ1 gene (Ad-PPARγ1) in the group C. In the group A the coronary artery was crossed through with a line without ligation; while myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury (ischemia 30 min, reperfusion 120 min) was induced in the groups B and C three days later. Under electron microscope the changes of the myocardial ultrastructures were observed. Bcl-2 and Bax expressions in the heart were detected by Western blot. TUNEL method was used to measure myocyte apoptosis. Results After ischemia and reperfusion, the cardio-myocytes in the group B were injuried most seriously under electron microscope; the myocardial fibers were arranged irregularly, ruptured and dissolved; the mitochondria were swellon with fuzzy structure and partia lcristae fragmentation and dissolution. The subcellular structure damage in the group C was milder than that of the group B. Compared with the group A, Bcl-2/Bax ratio decreased significantly in the group B (P < 0.05), but had no significant change in the group C (P > 0.05). Compared with the group B, Bcl-2/Bax ratio in the group C increased significantly (P < 0.05). The number of apoptotic cardiomyocytes in the groups B and C was significantly larger than that in the group A (P < 0.05). The number of myocardial apoptosis in the group B was significantly larger than that in the group C (P < 0.05). Conclusions Over-expression of PPARγ1 gene can protect myocardial tissues from ischemia reperfusion injury by reducing oxidative stress and cell apoptosis.