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Updated: Jan 28, 2026

Herbal Munziq Ameliorates Myocardial Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury by Inhibiting Inflammation
Published on: January 10, 2025
HDAC inhibition as a therapeutic strategy in myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury
Min Xie1, Yida Tang2, Joseph A Hill3
1Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiovascular Disease, The University of Alabam at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35233, United States of America.
Abstract:
Reperfusion injury during myocardial infarction accounts for approximately half of final infarct size. Whereas this has been known for decades, efficacious therapy targeting reperfusion injury remains elusive. Many proteins are subject to reversible acetylation, and drugs targeting enzymes that govern these events have emerged in oncology. Among these, small molecules targeting protein deacetylating enzymes, so-called histone deacetylases (HDACs), are approved for human use in rare cancers. Now, work emerging from multiple laboratories, and in both mice and large animals, has documented that HDAC inhibition using compounds approved for clinical use confers robust cardioprotection when delivered at the time of myocardial reperfusion. Here, we summarize the key underpinnings of this science, discuss potential mechanisms, and provide a framework for a first-in-human clinical trial.
Insights
Histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibition protects the heart during reperfusion injury following myocardial infarction. Clinical-grade HDAC inhibitors show promise for treating heart attacks by reducing infarct size.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Molecular Biology
- Oncology Drug Repurposing
Background:
- Reperfusion injury significantly contributes to myocardial infarction outcomes.
- Targeting reperfusion injury remains a critical unmet clinical need.
- Histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors are emerging as therapeutic agents.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize the scientific basis for using HDAC inhibitors in myocardial reperfusion.
- To explore potential mechanisms of HDAC inhibition-induced cardioprotection.
- To propose a framework for clinical translation.
Main Methods:
- Review of preclinical studies in mouse and large animal models.
- Analysis of existing clinical data on HDAC inhibitors in oncology.
- Synthesis of scientific literature on protein acetylation and cardiac function.
Main Results:
- HDAC inhibition demonstrates robust cardioprotection in preclinical models.
- Approved clinical-grade HDAC inhibitors confer protection when administered during reperfusion.
- Evidence suggests a strong mechanistic link between HDAC inhibition and reduced infarct size.
Conclusions:
- HDAC inhibition represents a promising therapeutic strategy for myocardial infarction.
- Repurposing clinical HDAC inhibitors offers a potential accelerated path to clinical trials.
- Further research and clinical trials are warranted to validate efficacy and safety.
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