Cyanidin-3-glucoside protects the heart against ischemia-induced, mitochondria-mediated apoptosis

Abstract

It is well established that mitochondria mediate cell death during heart ischemia by releasing cytochrome c to cytosol where it participates in formation of apoptosome and caspase activation. The process of caspase activation may be regulated by the redox state of cytochrome c so that reduced cytochrome c is less potent in caspase activation than its oxidized form. Therefore, it is possible to assume that various chemical compounds that change the redox state of cytosolic cytochrome c may have an impact on apoptosis. Anthocyanins are a class of the widespread flavonoids. They are responsible for the red and blue pigmentation of many vegetables and fruits. There is a lot of evidence, that antihocyanims are strong antioxidants. However, antioxidants are generally strong reductants, and some reductants have been found to block apoptosis by changing the redox state of cytosolic cytochrome c. [...].