Urotensin II protects ischemic reperfusion injury of hearts through ROS and antioxidant pathway

► hUII increased recovery percentage of post-ischemic ventricular function. ► The hydrogen peroxide activity and antioxidant enzyme expression were increased in hUII-treated hearts. ► The apoptotic protein expression was decreased in hUII-treated hearts. ► hUII has protective effects on I/R cardiac injury partly through activating antioxidant enzymes and reactive oxygen species.