Effect of Kombucha,a fermented black tea in attenuating oxidative stress mediated tissue damage in alloxan induced diabetic rats

Diabetic complications associated with increased oxidative stress can be suppressed by antioxidants. In the present study we investigated the antidiabetic and antioxidant effects of Kombucha (KT), a fermented black tea, in comparison to that of unfermented black tea (BT), in ALX-induced diabetic rats. ALX exposure lowered the body weight and plasma insulin by about 28.12% and 61.34% respectively and elevated blood glucose level and glycated Hb by about 3.79 and 3.73 folds respectively. The oxidative stress related parameters like lipid peroxidation end products (increased by 3.38, 1.7, 1.65, 1.94 folds respectively), protein carbonyl content (increased by 2.5, 2.35, 1.8, 3.26 folds respectively), glutathione content (decreased by 59.8%, 47.27%, 53.69%, 74.03% respectively), antioxidant enzyme activities were also altered in the pancreatic, hepatic, renal and cardiac tissues of diabetic animals. Results showed significant antidiabetic potential of the fermented beverage (150 mg lyophilized extract/kg bw for 14 days) as it effectively restored ALX-induced pathophysiological changes. Moreover, it could ameliorate DNA fragmentation and caspase-3 activation in the pancreatic tissue of diabetic rats. Although unfermented black tea is effective in the above pathophysiology, KT was found to be more efficient. This might be due to the formation of some antioxidant molecules during fermentation period.     

GABA tea attenuates cardiac apoptosis in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) by enhancing PI3K/Akt‐mediated survival pathway and suppressing Bax/Bak dependent apoptotic pathway

Cardiomyocyte apoptosis is the major risk factor for the development of heart failure (HF). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of Gamma‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) tea on hypertension‐induced cardiac apoptotic pathways in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). In order to reveal the mechanisms, 36 male SHR at eight weeks of age, 200 g were divided into six groups. One group was fed water as a control group. Other rats were administered one of the following treatments: GABA tea at dose 150 and 300 mg/kg/day as low GABA tea (LGT) and high GABA tea (HGT) groups, respectively, pure GABA at dose 150 and 300 mg/kg/day as LG and HG groups, respectively, green tea (GT) as control of LGT and HGT groups. After 12 weeks, cardiac tissues were analyzed by histological analysis, western blotting, and TUNEL assays. GABA tea, GT, and pure GABA decreased hypertension‐induced cardiac abnormalities, including abnormal myocardial architecture. In addition, GABA tea, GT, and pure GABA dramatically increased anti‐apoptotic protein, Bcl2. Furthermore, GABA tea, GT, and pure GABA also decreased activated‐caspase 9 and activated‐caspase 3. Additionally, the survival associated protein IGF‐I and PI3K/Akt were enhanced in cardiac tissues upon treatment. Our results showed an optimistic anti‐apoptotic and pro‐survival effects of GABA tea treatment against hypertensive rat hearts.     

坎地沙坦对糖尿病大鼠心肌细胞凋亡及Fas和Fas-L表达的影响

糖尿病心肌病主要表现为心室重塑和心脏功能障碍,与心肌细胞凋亡密切相关[1].研究表明[2],血管紧张素Ⅱ(AngⅡ)高表达可加速心肌细胞凋亡,且在糖尿病心肌病变中起重要作用.AT1受体拮抗剂能阻断AngⅡ与其受体结合,具有心肌保护作用.其是否通过影响凋亡相关基因Fas和Fas-L的表达而抑制心肌细胞凋亡,目前报道尚少.本研究观察了AT1受体拮抗剂坎地沙坦(candesartan,Cand)对糖尿病心肌细胞凋亡及凋亡相关基因Fas和Fas-L的影响,探讨其对糖尿病心肌病的防治作用及机制.     

苯那普利对糖尿病大鼠肾脏细胞凋亡及Fas和Fas-L表达的影响

目的 探讨血管紧张素转换酶抑制剂(ACEI)对糖尿病肾脏细胞凋亡及凋亡相关蛋白的影响。方法 单侧肾切除大鼠腹腔注射STZ(65mg/kg)诱发糖尿病模型，每日灌胃给予ACEI苯那普利(10mg/kg)，共12周。采用原位末端标记法检到肾脏细胞凋亡情况，流式细胞术和免疫组化检到肾皮质Fas和Fas-L表达。结果 糖尿病组较对照组肾小球、肾小管凋亡细胞数明显增多，Fas和Fas-L的表达亦显著增强，苯那普利治疗组较糖尿病组凋亡细胞数减少，Fas和Fas-L的表达减弱。结论 苯那普利可能通过影响凋亡相关蛋白Fas和Fas-L的表达而抑制肾脏细胞凋亡，从而发挥肾脏保护作用。     

Celastrol induces apoptosis in non-small-cell lung cancer A549 cells through activation of mitochondria- and Fas/FasL-mediated pathways

Celastrol is a natural compound extracted from the traditional Chinese medicinal herb, Tripterygium wilfordii Hook. It has attracted interests for its potential anti-inflammatory and antitumor effects. However, the molecular mechanisms of celastrol-induced apoptosis in cancer cells remain unclear. In this study, we investigated the effects of celastrol on the human non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cell line A549 in vitro. Celastrol caused a dose- and time-dependent growth inhibition of A549 cells with an IC₅₀ of 2.12 μM at 48 h treatment. Celastrol induced A549 cells apoptosis as confirmed by annexin V/propidium iodide staining and DNA fragmentation. Celastrol-induced apoptosis was characterized by cleavage of caspase-9, caspase-8, caspase-3, and PARP protein, increased Fas and FasL expression, and a reduction in the mitochondrial membrane potential. Furthermore, celastrol induced the release of cytochrome c. Celastrol also up-regulated the expression of pro-apoptotic Bax, down-regulated anti-apoptotic Bcl-2, and inhibited Akt phosphorylation. These results demonstrate that celastrol can induce apoptosis of human NSCLC A549 cells through activation of both mitochondria- and FasL-mediated pathways.     

Geraniol,a natural monoterpene,ameliorates hyperglycemia by attenuating the key enzymes of carbohydrate metabolism in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

Context: Geraniol, an acyclic monoterpene alcohol is found in medicinal plants, is used traditionally for several medical purposes including diabetes.

Objectives: The present study evaluates the antihyperglycemic potential of geraniol on key enzymes of carbohydrate metabolism in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats.

Materials and methods: Diabetes was induced in experimental rats, by a single intraperitoneal (i.p) injection of STZ [40?mg/kg body weight (b.w.)]. Different doses of geraniol (100, 200 and 400?mg/kg b.w.) and glyclazide (5?mg/kg b.w.) were administrated orally to diabetic rats for 45?days. Body weight, food intake, plasma glucose, insulin, blood haemoglobin (Hb), glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA_1c), hepatic glucose metabolic enzymes and glycogen were examined.

Results: The LD₅₀ value of geraniol is 3600?mg/kg b.w. at oral administration in rats. Administration of geraniol in a dose-dependent manner (100, 200, 400?mg/kg b.w.) and glyclazide (5?mg/kg b.w.) for 45?days significantly improved the levels of insulin, Hb and decreased plasma glucose, HbA_1C in diabetic-treated rats. Geraniol at its effective dose (200?mg/kg b.w.) ameliorated the altered activities of carbohydrate metabolic enzymes near normal effects compared with two other doses (100 and 400?mg/kg b.w.). Geraniol treatment to diabetic rats improved hepatic glycogen content suggesting its anti-hyperglycemic potential. Geraniol supplement was found to preserve the normal histological appearance of hepatic cells and pancreatic β-cells in diabetic rats.

Discussion and conclusions: The present findings suggest that geraniol can potentially ameliorate key enzymes of glucose metabolism in experimental diabetes even though clinical studies used to evaluate this possibility are warranted.     

Doxorubicin-induces NFAT/Fas/FasL cardiac apoptosis in rats through activation of calcineurin and P38 MAPK and inhibition of mTOR signalling pathways

This study investigated the role of NFAT/Fas/FasL axis in cardiomyocyte apoptosis following doxorubicin (DOX) treatment in rats and evaluated the involvement and regulation of all NFAT members in cardiac apoptosis. Forty adult male Wistar rats were divided equally into control or DOX-treated groups (15 mg/kg over 2 weeks). Cardiomyocytes were cultured and pre-incubated with various inhibitors and activators (10 μmol/L) prior to DOX exposure (1 μmol/L). In the left ventricles and cultured cells, DOX increased cytoplasmic protein levels of cytochrome C, Bax and increased the activities of caspase-8, caspase3, ERK1/2, JNK, and P38 mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), reducing levels of Bcl-2 and the activity of mTOR, and inducing cell death. In addition, DOX enhanced mRNA and protein levels of Fas and FasL. Furthermore, the nuclear and cytoplasmic levels of NFAT1 and nuclear accumulation of NFAT2-4were increased with DOX treatment. The inhibition of calcineurin with FK506 significantly inhibited the nuclear levels of NFAT2 and NFAT4 and the inhibition of P38 MAPK with SB203580 inhibited the nuclear and cytoplasmic accumulation of NFAT1. However, the activation of mTOR by IGF-1 significantly lowered NFAT3. In conclusion, NFAT/Fas/FasL-induced cell death in cardiac myocytes of DOX-treated rats is regulated, at least, by the activation of calcineurin and P38 MAPK and inhibition of mTOR.     

牛膝多糖对糖尿病大鼠肾组织细胞凋亡的影响

目的探讨牛膝多糖(ABPS)对糖尿病大鼠肾组织保护作用及其作用机制。方法将Wistar大鼠随机分为5组,正常对照组、模型组、ABPS300、200、100mg·kg-1·d-1组。8周后,苏木素-伊红(HE)染色观察肾组织病理变化,琼脂糖凝胶电泳检测细胞凋亡,反转录-聚合酶链反应(RT-PCR)观察Bcl-2、Fas基因的表达。结果与模型组比较,ABPS组肾组织形态明显改善,肾组织细胞凋亡明显减少,Bcl-2表达上调,Fas表达降低。结论 ABPS对糖尿病大鼠肾组织有明显保护作用,其机制可能与抑制肾组织细胞凋亡及上调Bcl-2,降低Fas基因表达有关。     

Intervention of selenium on apoptosis and Fas/FasL expressions in the liver of fluoride-exposed rats

Fluorosis is a major public health problem in numerous areas around the world, including China. To alleviate this problem, selenium has been used. In this study, we aimed to investigate the influence of selenium on apoptosis in fluorosis-affected rat livers and determine the optimal selenium concentration in drinking water to fight fluorosis. The protein levels of Fas in NaF and NaF + Se (0.375 and 0.75 mg/L) groups as well as FasL in NaF, Se (0.75 and 1.5 mg/L), and NaF + Se (0.375 mg/L) groups were significantly increased compared with those in the control group. The mRNA levels of Fas in NaF and Se (1.5 mg/L) groups as well as FasL in NaF and NaF + Se (0.375 mg/L) groups were significantly increased. The protein levels of Fas in NaF + Se (1.5 mg/L) group and FasL in three NaF + Se groups were significantly decreased compared with those in the NaF group. The mRNA levels of Fas in the three NaF + Se groups and FasL in NaF + Se (0.75 and 1.5 mg/L) groups were significantly decreased. Compared with the control group, activity of GSH-Px, and SOD in the NaF group decreased obviously and MDA content increased obviously; activity of SOD in 1.5 mg/L Se group decreased obviously. Compared with the NaF group, activity of GSH-Px in NaF + Se (1.5 mg/L) group significantly increased, and MDA content decreased obviously. Thus, fluoride induced apoptosis in the liver, thereby causing liver damage in the rats. Selenium could alleviate fluorosis-induced liver injury. In particular, selenium at 1.5 mg/L is considered the optimum concentration against fluorosis.     

Modulatory effects of fisetin, a bioflavonoid, on hyperglycemia by attenuating the key enzymes of carbohydrate metabolism in hepatic and renal tissues in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

Fisetin (3, 7, 3′, 4′-tetrahydroxyflavone) is a bioflavonoid found in fruits and vegetables. It exhibits a wide variety of pharmacological properties, including antioxidant, antiinflammatory and anticarcinogenic effects. Recently we have reported the hypoglycemic actions of fisetin. Oral administration of fisetin (10 mg/kg body weight) to diabetic rats for 30 days established a significant (P < 0.05) decline in blood glucose and glycosylated hemoglobin levels and a significant (P < 0.05) increase in plasma insulin level. In the present study the activities of key enzymes of carbohydrate metabolism were assayed to establish the modulatory actions of fisetin in maintaining the glucose homeostasis. The altered activities of key enzymes of carbohydrate metabolism such as hexokinase, pyruvate kinase, lactate dehydrogenase, glucose-6-phosphatase, fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, glycogen synthase and glycogen phosphorylase in liver and kidney tissues of diabetic rats were significantly (P < 0.05) reverted to near normalcy by the administration of fisetin. Thus, fisetin regulates carbohydrate metabolism by modulating the key regulatory enzymes in the hepatic and renal tissues of diabetic rats.     

Antihyperglycemic and antihyperlipidemic effects of Salvadora persica in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

Context: Many synthetic antidiabetic components show toxic and/or mutagenic effects. Hence, attention has been given to naturally occurring antidiabetic components. Identification of effective antidiabetic components from plants origin is an ideal strategy for new drug development. The fresh root, bark, and leaves of Salvadora persica L. (Salvadoraceae) have been used in folk medicine for the treatment of a wide range of medical problems such as cough, asthma, scurvy, piles, rheumatism, leprosy, and gonorrhea disorders.

Objective: The S. persica root extract was investigated for the reduction of the risk of diabetes in diabetic rats.

Material and methods: The hydro-alcoholic root extract, 200 and 400?mg/kg, was fed to streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats for 21?d. Blood serum glucose, lipid profile, body weight, and food intake were monitored at 0, 7, 14, and 21?d after induction of diabetes.

Results: S. persica hydro-alcoholic root extract was not toxic at doses up to 1200?mg/kg. Significant reduction of blood glucose and lipid profile in diabetic rats treated with 400?mg/kg hydro-alcoholic root extract after 21?d versus diabetic control and glibenclamide-treated rats. The glibenclamide and root extract-treated group’s peak values of blood glucose significantly decreased from 281.50 to 106?mg/dL and 285.50 to 150.25?mg/dL, respectively. Hence, in this study, observations showed that root hydro-alcoholic reduced the blood glucose level in diabetic rats but values did not return to normal controls.

Conclusion: The research suggests that the root extract was significantly effective when compared with control and standard in the treatment of hyperlipidemia and hyperglycemia in diabetic rats. Therefore, it may be beneficial to diabetic patients.     

Upregulation of Fas/Fas ligand-mediated apoptosis by gossypol in an immortalized human alveolar lung cancer cell line

Gossypol has wide antineoplastic effects in vitro, but its effects on human lung cancer have not been explored. To evaluate the activity of gossypol against alveolar cell lung cancer and to provide information on the mechanism of action, we examined the effects of gossypol on the proliferation of A549 cells indirectly using an XTT assay and on the distribution of cells within the phases of the cell cycle using flow cytometry. We also examined several factors that may affect apoptosis, including p53, p21/WAF1, Fas receptor, Fas ligand (FasL) and caspase 8 activity. The results showed that gossypol inhibited proliferation of A549 cells at a concentration of 0.5 micromol/L after 12 h treatment. The effect was both dose- and time-dependent by the induction of apoptosis without the effect of p53 and p21/WAF1. Upregulation of Fas/FasL, in association with the activation of downstream caspase 8 activity, was observed following treatment with gossypol. The Fas/FasL pathway accounted for 75% of gossypol-mediated apoptosis. We suggest that the Fas/FasL apoptotic system is the major pathway for gossypol-mediated apoptosis of A549 cells. Gossypol had no effect on the distribution of A549 cells within the phases of the cell cycle. In conclusion, gossypol inhibited A549 cells mainly by induction of the Fas/FasL apoptotic pathway, but not the p53 and p21/WAF1 pathway.     

Effective control of blood glucose status and toxicity in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats by orally administration of vanadate in an herbal decoction.

Vanadium compounds have been well recognized for hypoglycemic effects, but questions remain on gastrointestinal disturbance and possible tissue vanadium accumulation thus slowing the acceptance of vanadium compounds as diabetic therapeutic agents. Our intestinal permeability and toxicity studies of vanadium compounds have suggested that the co-administration of vanadate with Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge decoction could benefit the therapeutic use of hypoglycemic vanadium compounds. In the present paper, we tested the hypoglycemic effects of vanadate ingested in an aqueous extract of S. Bunge using a streptozocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rat model. Oral administration of vanadate in S. Bunge herbal decoction produced a stable (free of hypoglycemic shock) and long-lasting ( approximately 70day) control of blood glucose status. Effective protection of animal organs from hyperglycemic damage was also observed. As expected, the herbal extract significantly alleviated vanadium toxicity, i.e. GI stress and metal accumulation. In addition, the result suggesting that vanadium-induced amelioration of the diabetic state appears to be secondary to the preservation of a functional portion of the pancreatic beta-cells which initially survived STZ-toxicity. These studies provide new insight into the therapeutic treatment of diabetics with vanadium compounds.     

p,p′-DDE induces testicular apoptosis in prepubertal rats via the Fas/FasL pathway

1,1-Dichloro-2,2 bis(p-chlorophenyl) ethylene (p,p′-DDE), the major metabolite of 2,2-bis(4-chlorophenyl)-1,1,1-trichloroethane (DDT), is a known persistent organic pollutant and male reproductive toxicant. It has antiandrogenic effect. However, the mechanism by which p,p′-DDE exposure causes male reproductive toxicity remains unknown. To elucidate the mechanism underpinning the testicular effects of p,p′-DDE, we sought to investigate Fas/FasL apoptotic pathway in the testis of prepubertal rats, including Fas, FasL, caspase-8, -3, and NF-κB. Animals were administered with different doses of p,p′-DDE (0, 20, 60, 100 mg/kg b.wt) every other day by intraperitoneal injection for 10 days. The results indicated that p,p′-DDE exposure at over 20 mg/kg b.wt showed the induction of apoptotic cell death. p,p′-DDE could induce increase in the MDA level, and decrease in SOD and GSH-Px activity. Significant elevations in the mRNA levels of Fas along with an increase in FasL, caspase-3, -8 were observed in 100 mg/kg b.wt group. In protein level, p,p′-DDE could induce increase of FasL and reduction of procaspase-8. NF-κB p65 was activated by p,p′-DDE treatment in rat testis. In addition, the activities of caspase-3, -8 were increased in 100 mg/kg b.wt group. Taken together, these results lead us to speculate that in vivo exposure to p,p′-DDE might induce testicular apoptosis in prepubertal rats through the Fas/FasL pathway.     

贝那普利对糖尿病大鼠心肌细胞凋亡及左心室重构的影响

目的探讨贝那普利对糖尿病大鼠心肌细胞凋亡及左心室重构的作用及其机制。方法 SD大鼠ip给予链脲佐菌素制备糖尿病模型。实验分为正常对照组、糖尿病模型组和贝那普利治疗组。贝那普利治疗组大鼠ig给予贝那普利10mg.kg-1,每天1次,连续12周。测定心脏质量指数、左心室内压最大上升和下降速率(±dp/dtmax)、左心室压(LVP)、左心室舒张末压(LVEDP)、血浆血管紧张素Ⅱ(AngⅡ)水平;取左心室心肌,用TUNEL方法检测心肌细胞凋亡及凋亡相关基因Fas配体(FasL)mRNA及蛋白表达。结果与正常对照组相比,糖尿病模型组大鼠血浆AngⅡ水平明显增高,从440±20增高到(863±38)ng.L-1(P<0.05);LVP从19.3±0.5明显降低到(14.7±1.2)kPa(P<0.05);+dp/dtmax从1020±55降低到(778±80)kPa.s-1(P<0.05);-dp/dtmax从705±44降低到(420±62)kPa.s-1(P<0.01);LVEDP从0.13±0.06升高到(0.50±0.09)kPa(P<0.05);心脏质量指数明显升高,从2.93±0.10升高到(4.13±0.18)mg.g-1(P<0.01);心肌细胞凋亡数目增多,凋亡率从(0.5±0.3)%明显增加到(23.1±1.6)%(P<0.01),FasL基因和蛋白表达显著增强(P<0.01)。与模型组相比,贝那普利组大鼠连续12周ig给予贝那普利后,AngⅡ水平从863±38明显降低到(619±24)ng.L-1(P<0.05);LVP从14.7±1.2明显升高到(17.6±0.8)kPa(P<0.05);+dp/dtmax从778±80明显升高到(913±58)kPa.s-1(P<0.05),-dp/dtmax从420±62明显升高到(574±54)kPa.s-1(P<0.05),LVEDP从0.50±0.09明显降低到(0.28±0.47)kPa(P<0.05),心脏质量指数从4.13±0.18明显降低到(3.42±0.13)mg.g-1(P<0.05);心肌细胞凋亡数目减少,从(23.1±1.6)%降低到(17.1±1.0)%(P<0.05);FasL基因和蛋白表达均明显下调(P<0.05)。结论贝那普利的干预可以抑制糖尿病心肌细胞凋亡,改善心室重构,保护心脏功能。其机制可能与下调凋亡相关基因FasL表达有关。     

Nelumbo nucifera leaves extract attenuate the pathological progression of diabetic nephropathy in high-fat diet-fed and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

Diabetic nephropathy is not only a common and severe microvascular complication of diabetes mellitus but also the leading cause of renal failure. Lotus (Nelumbo nucifera) possesses antioxidative and anticancer properties. The present study aimed to investigate the antidiabetic and renoprotective effects of N. nucifera leaf extract (NLE) in a rat model of type 2 diabetic mellitus. Male Sprague–Dawley rats with type 2 diabetes induced by a high-fat diet (HFD)/streptozotocin (STZ) were treated with NLE at dosages of 0.5% and 1% (w/w) daily for 6 weeks. At the end of the experimental period, body weight, serum glucose levels, insulin levels, and kidney function were assessed. Furthermore, antioxidant enzyme and lipid peroxide levels were determined in the kidney, and histopathological examination was performed using hematoxylin and eosin staining, periodic acid Schiff staining, and Masson trichrome staining. To shed light on the molecular mechanism underlying the functioning of NLE, mouse glomerular mesangial cells (MES-13) treated with high glucose (HG, 25 mM glucose) were chosen as a model for an examination of the signal transduction pathway of NLE. The results revealed that NLE improved diabetic kidney injury by reducing blood glucose, serum creatinine, and blood urea nitrogen levels and enhanced antioxidant enzyme activities in kidney tissue. Treatment with NLE significantly reduced the malondialdehyde and 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine levels and increased serum insulin levels; expression of renal superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase activities; and glutathione content. Histological studies have also demonstrated that NLE treatment inhibited the dilation of Bowman's capsule, which confirmed its renoprotective action in diabetes. In addition, treatment with NLE and its major component quercetin 3-glucuronide attenuated 25 mM HG-induced suppressed nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 and antioxidant enzyme expression in MES-13 cells. Collectively, these findings indicate that NLE may have antidiabetic and renoprotective effects against HFD/STZ-induced diabetes, at least in part, through antioxidative pathways.     

Rotational behavior induced in rats by intranigral application of GABA-related drugs and GABA antagonists

GABA and GABA-related drugs such as muscimol, gamma-hydroxybutyric acid and baclofen injected unilaterally into the substantia nigra of rats elicited contraversive turning. Unilateral injections of picrotoxin and bicuculline produced either ipsi- or contraversive turning depending on the volume of vehicle. I.p. applied haloperidol did not abolish the muscimol-induced turning. This and the direction of rotational behavior suggests that the turning behavior elicited by GABA-related drugs is not mediated by the nigrostriatal dopaminergic tract.     

Vitexin protects against myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury in Langendorff-perfused rat hearts by attenuating inflammatory response and apoptosis

The aim of the present study is to investigate the effects and its possible underlying mechanisms of vitexin on myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury in isolated rat hearts. Isolated rat hearts were perfused with Langendorff apparatus, which subjected to 30 min ischemia and then followed by 60 min reperfusion. In the isolated rat heart subjected to I/R injury, treatment of vitexin (50, 100, 200 μmol/L) significantly enhanced coronary flow, and decreased the pathological scores of myocardium. 50, 100, 200 μmol/L vitexin significantly attenuated I/R-induced increases of myocardial TNF-α and IL-1β, and 25, 50, 100, 200 μmol/L vitexin significantly reduced apoptosis index of cardiac muscle cell of rat isolated heart subjected to I/R injury. Vitexin significantly inhibited I/R-induced increase of myocardial Bax protein expression; however, 100, 200 μmol/L vitexin markedly increased myocardial Bcl-2 protein expression. Furthermore, vitexin at concentrations of 50, 100, 200 μmol/L significantly reduced expression of myocardial NF-κBp65 protein. Therefore, these results demonstrate that vitexin exhibits significant protective effect against myocardial I/R injury in isolated rat heart, which is related to inhibition of the release of inflammatory cytokines and the apoptosis of cardiac muscle cell via up-regulating protein expression of Bcl-2 as well as down-regulating Bax and NF-κBp65.