Am J Cardiovasc Dis 2012;2(3)223-236
Review Article
Protection of the ischemic myocardium during the reperfusion: between
hope and reality
Jean Chrisostome Bopassa
Division of Molecular Medicine, Department of Anesthesiology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California
Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA 90095-1778, USA
Received June 26, 2012; Accepted July 21, 2012; Epub July 25, 2012; Published August 15, 2012
Abstract: The heart is an organ that requires an important energy input to ensure its contractile function. Myocardial
ischemia happens when there is a deficiency of blood flow that is responsible for the passage from an aerobic to
anaerobic metabolism. Myocardial ischemia results from an imbalance between inputs and the needs of nutrient and
oxygen to the myocardium. The restoration of myocardial perfusion called reperfusion is a way to save the ischemic
myocardium. However, although reperfusion is beneficial for the survival of the ischemic myocardium, it also induces a
deleterious effect in addition to that of ischemic stress. Three decade ago, while several studies, strived to elucidate the
protective effect of preconditioning, a phenomenon performed before ischemia and having a powerful protective effects
against ischemia/reperfusion injury, very few have believed in the possibility of protecting the myocardium after ischemia
(during reperfusion). Actually, both ischemic and pharmacological postconditioning as well as controlled reperfusion
methods to protect the ischemic heart have proved effective in the reduction of damage related to ischemia/reperfusion.
The possibility of protecting the myocardium during reperfusion opens a new area in the research against damage caused
by ischemia/reperfusion because these methods are easily transferable in a clinic setting. (AJCD1206007).
Keywords: Ischemia, reperfusion injury, heart, preconditioning, postconditioning and controlled reperfusion
Address all correspondence to:
Dr. Jean Chrisostome Bopassa
David Geffen School of Medicine
Department of Anesthesiology
UCLA, BH-520A CHS Box 957115
Los Angeles, CA 90095-7115, USA>
Tel: (310) 825 6649; Fax: (310) 825 6649
E-mail:jcbopassa@ucla.edu
Review Article
Protection of the ischemic myocardium during the reperfusion: between
hope and reality
Jean Chrisostome Bopassa
Division of Molecular Medicine, Department of Anesthesiology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California
Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA 90095-1778, USA
Received June 26, 2012; Accepted July 21, 2012; Epub July 25, 2012; Published August 15, 2012
Abstract: The heart is an organ that requires an important energy input to ensure its contractile function. Myocardial
ischemia happens when there is a deficiency of blood flow that is responsible for the passage from an aerobic to
anaerobic metabolism. Myocardial ischemia results from an imbalance between inputs and the needs of nutrient and
oxygen to the myocardium. The restoration of myocardial perfusion called reperfusion is a way to save the ischemic
myocardium. However, although reperfusion is beneficial for the survival of the ischemic myocardium, it also induces a
deleterious effect in addition to that of ischemic stress. Three decade ago, while several studies, strived to elucidate the
protective effect of preconditioning, a phenomenon performed before ischemia and having a powerful protective effects
against ischemia/reperfusion injury, very few have believed in the possibility of protecting the myocardium after ischemia
(during reperfusion). Actually, both ischemic and pharmacological postconditioning as well as controlled reperfusion
methods to protect the ischemic heart have proved effective in the reduction of damage related to ischemia/reperfusion.
The possibility of protecting the myocardium during reperfusion opens a new area in the research against damage caused
by ischemia/reperfusion because these methods are easily transferable in a clinic setting. (AJCD1206007).
Keywords: Ischemia, reperfusion injury, heart, preconditioning, postconditioning and controlled reperfusion
Address all correspondence to:
Dr. Jean Chrisostome Bopassa
David Geffen School of Medicine
Department of Anesthesiology
UCLA, BH-520A CHS Box 957115
Los Angeles, CA 90095-7115, USA>
Tel: (310) 825 6649; Fax: (310) 825 6649
E-mail:jcbopassa@ucla.edu
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