Cardioprotection from metabolism to molecules to certainties.
Starting millions of years ago, the heart developed metabolic and molecular cardioprotective paths. The concept of metabolic protection includes the recent successful early provision of glucose-insulin-potassium (GIK) to patients with acute coronary syndromes in the ambulance to inhibit high harmful free-fatty acid levels. Molecular cardioprotective pathways also developed in primeval times. The 2 major paths are the RISK (Reperfusion Injury Salvage Kinases) path and the SAFE (Survival Activating Factor Enhancement) path, on which our group in Cape Town has focused. These paths help to lessen ischaemic-perfusion damage, and may, hypothetically, also be activated by intense exercise.
Hatter Institute for Cardiovascular Research in Africa, Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town. lionel.opie@uct.ac.za
Lionel H
LH
Opie
D054058:Acute Coronary Syndrome / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000378:metabolism*; D003331:Coronary Vessels; D005230:Fatty Acids, Nonesterified / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000097:blood; D005947:Glucose / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D007328:Insulin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D057775:Ischemic Postconditioning; D009203:Myocardial Infarction / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000628:therapy; D015428:Myocardial Reperfusion Injury / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000628:therapy; D011188:Potassium / Q000627:therapeutic use; D013997:Time Factors
D005230:Fatty Acids, Nonesterified; D007328:Insulin; D005947:Glucose; D011188:Potassium