title: Targeting cell signaling and apoptotic pathways by  luteolin: cardioprotective role in rat cardiomyocytes following ischemia/reperfusion.
abstract: Myocardial ischemia often results in damaged heart structure and function, which can be restored through ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) in most cases. However, I/R can exacerbate myocardial ischemia reperfusion injury (IRI). Luteolin, a widely distributed flavonoid, a member of a group of naturally occurring polyphenolic compounds  found in many fruits, vegetables and medicinal herbs, has been reported to exhibit  anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anti-carcinogenic activities. In recent years, luteolin has been shown to play an important role in the cardioprotection of IRI. However, its role and mechanism in cardioprotection against IRI has not been clearly elucidated with respect to the apoptosis pathway. The purpose of this paper is to review luteolin's anti-apoptotic role and mechanism following I/R in rats, and indicate luteolin as a potential candidate for preventing and treating cardiovascular diseases.
authors.affiliation: The First Clinical College, Nanjing Traditional Chinese Medicine University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China. xtd3004@yahoo.com.cn
authors.forename: Tongda
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Xu
authors.forename: Dongye
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Li
authors.forename: Dehua
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Jiang
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000975:Antioxidants / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D017209:Apoptosis / Q000187:drug effects*; D047311:Luteolin / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D017202:Myocardial Ischemia / Q000188:drug therapy*; D015428:Myocardial Reperfusion Injury / Q000517:prevention & control*; D032383:Myocytes, Cardiac / Q000187:drug effects*; D008517:Phytotherapy; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000187:drug effects
chemical_list: D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D000975:Antioxidants; D010936:Plant Extracts; D047311:Luteolin