Bendavia, a Mitochondria-targeting Peptide, Improves Postinfarction Cardiac Function, Prevents Adverse Left Ventricular Remodeling, and Restores Mitochondria-related Gene Expression in Rats

We evaluated the post-myocardial infarction (MI) therapeutic effects of Bendavia. Two hours after coronary artery ligation, rats were randomized to receive chronic Bendavia treatment (n = 28) or water (n = 26). Six weeks later, Bendavia significantly reduced scar circumference (39.7% ± 2.2%) compared with water treatment (47.4% ± 0.03%, P = 0.024) and reduced left ventricular (LV) volume by 8.9% (P = 0.019). LV fractional shortening was significantly improved by Bendavia (28.8% ± 1.7%) compared with water treatment (23.8% ± 1.8%, P = 0.047). LV ejection fraction was higher with Bendavia (55.3% ± 1.4%) than water treatment (49.3% ± 1.4%, P = 0.005). Apoptosis, within the MI border zone, was significantly less in the Bendavia group (32% ± 3%, n = 12) compared with the water group (41% ± 2%, n = 12; P = 0.029). Bendavia reversed mitochondrial function–related gene expression in the MI border, which was largely reduced in water-treated rats. Bendavia improved complex-I and -IV activity, and reduced production of reactive oxygen species and cytosolic cytochrome c level in the peri-infarcted region. Bendavia improved post-MI cardiac function, prevented infarct expansion and adverse LV remodeling, and restored mitochondria-related gene expression, complex-I and -IV activity, and reduced reactive oxygen species and cardiomyocyte apoptosis in the noninfarcted MI border.