From bench to bedside: Seeing the future of ischaemic post-conditioning as a novel cardioprotective therapy

Abstract

-From bench to bedside: Seeing the future of ischaemic post-conditioning as a novel cardioprotective therapy for reperfusion injury, (9) causing swelling and rupture of the mitochondria, release of calcium and uncoupling of energy production leading to further damage and ultimately cell death. (9)(10)(11) There is a clear need for effective and novel therapeutic strategies to protect the heart against reperfusion injury. In this regard, the recent experimental discovery of ischaemic post-conditioning (12) represents a promising therapy for cardioprotection in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). The discovery of posT-condiTioning Therapy in animal modelsIn 1986, Murray et al introduced the concept of ischaemic preconditioning, whereby brief episodes of a sub-lethal ischaemic insult offer significant protection from a subsequent lethal ischaemic insult. (13) This powerful protective mechanism reduces infarct size,