Daidzein has neuroprotective effects through ligand-binding-independent PPARγ activation.

Phytoestrogens are a group of plant-derived compounds that include mainly isoflavones like daidzein. Phytoestrogens prevent neuronal damage and improve outcome in experimental stroke; however, the mechanisms of this neuroprotective action have not been fully elucidated. In this context, it has been postulated that phytoestrogens might activate the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPARγ), which exerts neuroprotective effects in several settings. The aim of this study was to determine whether the phytoestrogen daidzein elicits beneficial actions in neuronal cells by mechanisms involving activation of PPARγ. Our results show that daidzein (0.05-5 μM) decreases cell death induced b…