Levosimendan reduces myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury by regulating the expression of HIF-1α

Objective: Levosimendan (Levo) is a novel calcium ion sensitizer that enhances myocardial contractile function and participates in the mediation of ischemia-reperfusion (I-R). Hypoxia inducible factor-1 alpha (HIF-1 alpha) is involved in ischemia and hypoxia injury. This study aims to investigate the effect and mechanism of Levo on myocardial I-R injury. Methods: Myocardial I-R injury model rats were divided into IR group and I-R+Levo group followed by measuring HIF-1 alpha and HO-1 level, contents of caspase-3, MDA and SOD as well as ROS content and apoptosis by flow cytometry. Results: Compared with sham group, MDA content, caspase-3 activity, HIF-1 alpha and HO-1 levels in I-R model rats were significantly elevated, along with reduction of SOD activity. Among I-R model rats, Levo can further significantly upregulate HIF-1 alpha and HO-1 levels, while reduced MDA, ROS content, SOD, caspase-3 activity and cell apoptosis. Conclusion: Levo ameliorates myocardial I-R injury through upregulating HIF-1 alpha and reducing cell apoptosis, which provides new insights for the further therapy against ischemia-reperfusion in clinical practice.