Levosimendan ameliorates cardiomyocyte injury and mitochondrial dysfunction in an Nrf2-dependent manner in mice with sepsis-induced cardiomyopathy

• Levosimendan attenuates sepsis-induced cardiomyopathy by improving cardiac function and survival in a mouse model. • LEVO restores mitochondrial function, including ATP production, membrane potential, and NADH levels, while reducing ROS and calcium overload. • The cardioprotective effects of LEVO are mediated through Nrf2, as inhibition or knockout of Nrf2 abolishes its benefits. • These findings highlight Nrf2 as a potential therapeutic target for sepsis-induced cardiomyopathy.