title: Therapy against ischemic injury.
abstract: The advent of reperfusion therapy constituted a historical change for the management of myocardial infarction (MI) patients. However, shortly after, experimental models recognized an intrinsic damage, related to reperfusion itself, which was termed as ischemiareperfusion injury (IRI). Clinical studies attribute IRI a significant burden of morbidity and mortality observed in patients undergoing successful epicardial reperfusion. Several mechanisms have been identified and, as many strategies, have been investigated to address the phenomenon. In this review we will discuss the current evidence for IRI, pharmacological and non-pharmacological preventive strategies adopted both in experimental models and in clinical practice. Finally, we will try to provide a critical appraisal to the lack of consistent benefit observed in translational medicine.
authors.affiliation: Cardiovascular Medicine Division, Cardio-Thoracic and Vascular Department, University of Pisa, Italy.
authors.forename: Giacinta
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Guarini
authors.forename: Alda
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Huqi
authors.forename: Paola
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Capozza
authors.forename: Doralisa
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Morrone
authors.forename: Francesca
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Donati
authors.forename: Mario
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Marzilli
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D019157:Ischemic Preconditioning, Myocardial; D008928:Mitochondria / Q000187:drug effects; D015427:Reperfusion Injury / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000628:therapy