Vanillin and pentoxifylline ameliorate isoproterenol-induced myocardial injury in rats via the Akt/HIF-1α/VEGF signaling pathway

were increased. Treatment with either Van or PTX ameliorated ISO-induced changes and further upregulated Akt/HIF-1α/VEGF signaling. Furthermore, Van + PTX combination was more effective than monotherapy. These findings suggest a novel therapeutic potential of Van and PTX in ameliorating MI through enhancing cardiac angiogenesis and modulating oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis.