Pioglitazone (PG) is one of the thiazolidinedione (TZDs) drugs used in diabetic patients. TZDs are known as peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) agonists. Mitochondria are considered as one of the targets of these drugs. The mechanisms of the effect of PG on mitochondria are not well understood. In this study, we investigated the effect of PG on mitochondria isolated from brain and heart. Mitochondrial parameters such as succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) activity, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, collapse in mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), mitochondrial swelling and cytochrome c release were evaluated. The results showed that PG at concentrations of 12.5, 25 and 50 µg/ml increased the generation of ROS, the collapse of MMP, mitochondrial swelling and the release of cytochrome c in mitochondria isolated from both brain and heart tissues. The underlying mechanisms of PG induced neuro-toxicity and cardio-toxicity may be associated with changes in mitochondrial function, ROS generation (oxidative stress), and changes in the mitochondrial membrane.
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