The Role of NF-κB in Myocardial Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury

Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is a threat to human life and physical health worldwide. Timely reperfusion is very important to limit infarct size and protect ischemic myocardium. Unfortunately, it has also caused severer myocardial damage, which is called "myocardial ischemia/ reperfusion injury (MIRI)". There is no effective clinical treatment for it. Over the past two decades, biological studies of NF-κB have improved the understanding of MIRI. Nuclear Factor-κB (NF-κB) is a major transcription factor associated with cardiovascular health and disease. It is involved in the release of pro-inflammatory factors and apoptosis of cardiomyocytes. Recent studies have shown that inhibition of NF-κB plays a protective role in acute hypoxia and reperfusion injury. Here we review the molecular regulation of NF-κB in MIRI, better understanding of NF-κB signaling mechanisms related to inflammation and crosstalk with endogenous small molecules. We hope this review will aid in improving therapeutic approaches to clinical diagnosing. This review provides evidence for the role of NF-κB in MIRI and supports its use as a therapeutic target.