Pioglitazone attenuates complement-mediated microglial synaptic engulfment in an Alzheimer’s disease model

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Pioglitazone preserves dendritic spine density and enhances spine stability in an Alzheimer’s disease mouse model.
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The drug reduces synaptic C1q deposition, limiting complement-mediated microglial synaptic engulfment.
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Pioglitazone's neuroprotective effects suggest it modulates complement-dependent microglial synaptic pruning.
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The study highlights pioglitazone's potential as a therapeutic target for preserving synaptic integrity in early AD.
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Longitudinal imaging techniques were utilized to analyze synaptic and microglial interactions in the research.

Brain

by Juan Zu, Cong Li, Mochen Cui, Xinwu Liu, Zhouyang Pan, Xiaohe Li, Fang Zhang, Johanna Gentz, Gerda Mitteregger-Kretzschmar, Jochen Herms, Yuan Shi
December 15, 2025

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