Nitric oxide preserves XIAP and reduces hypoxia/reoxygenation-induced cardiomyocytes apoptosis via ERK1/2 activation

► NO induced MAPK-ERK1/2 activation during myocyte reoxygenation injury. ► ERK activation is required for the increased and stabilization of XIAP. ► XIAP inhibits reoxygenation induced apoptosis in post-mitochondrial manner.