The GPR120 agonist TUG-891 mitigates ischemic brain injury by attenuating endoplasmic reticulum stress and apoptosis via the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway

Extensive research has confirmed that omega-3 fatty acids provide cardiovascular protection primarily by activating the G protein-coupled receptor 120 (GPR120) signaling pathway. However, natural activators of this receptor often lack sufficient strength and precision. TUG-891, a recently synthesized selective GPR120 activator, has displayed significant therapeutic potential in multiple disease. This investigation seeks to evaluate the neuroprotective effects of TUG-891 against ischemic cerebral injury. To this end, an in vivo murine model of distal middle cerebral artery occlusion (dMCAO) was employed, alongside an in vitro model utilizing oxygen-glucose deprivation/reperfusion in HT22 ​cells. The results indicated that TUG-891 significantly enhanced neurological function, reduced the volume of cerebral infarction, and alleviated pathological damage following dMCAO. Moreover, TUG-891 demonstrated a significant reduction in oxidative stress levels, a decrease of markers related to endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, and the modulation of critical apoptotic regulators, thereby inhibiting Apoptosis in both in vivo and in vitro settings. Additionally, TUG-891 was found to affect the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway, with the application of the inhibitor LY294002 negating the protective effects of TUG-891 in vitro. This comprehensive study reveals TUG-891's therapeutic potential for ischemic stroke through multi-target mechanisms involving oxidative stress mitigation, ER stress regulation, and survival pathway activation. The consistent neuroprotection observed across biological models underscores its translational value for further clinical development.

Apoptosis; Endoplasmic reticulum stress; GPR120; Ischemic stroke; PI3K/AKT signaling pathway; TUG-891.