Total flavones from Elsholtzia blanda reduce infarct size during acute myocardial ischemia by inhibiting myocardial apoptosis in rats

Apoptosis is a common pathological feature in acute myocardial infarction (AMI). The infarct size is an important determinant of the prognosis of AMI. In recent years, Chinese medicinal herbs and their extracts have received great attention in prevention of AMI. The aim of this investigation was to evaluate the anti-ischemic effect of total flavones from Elsholtzia blanda (Benth.) Benth. (TFEB), a traditional Chinese medicine and to make clear the mechanism involved in it. Myocardial infarction was induced by coronary occlusion in rats. Apoptosis was measured quantitatively by the terminal transferase UTP nick end-labeling (TUNEL) method and confirmed by DNA laddering on agarose gel. The expression of anti-apoptotic protein, Bcl-2 and pro-apoptotic protein, Bax was visualized by Western blot analysis. TFEB significantly reduced infarct size and TUNEL-positive rate confirmed by disappearance of DNA laddering. Greater Bcl-2 and attenuated Bax expression was found in TFEB treating rats. These results suggest that TFEB reduce infarct size during AMI by inhibiting myocardial apoptosis through modulation of Bcl-2 family.