PPARγ activation by pioglitazone protected striatal cells from mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress in a 3 nitropropionic acid (3-NP)-induced experimental model of HD (3-NP, irreversibly inhibits succinate dehydrogenase and produces in animals behavioural, biochemical and morphologic changes considered to be similar to those occurring in HD). The gene discussed is PPARG; the disease is Huntington disease.