Insulin-like growth factor-1 in myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury: A review

Zhenrong Yan1, Ziyang Xing, Tingyun Xue

  • 1Department of Clinical Laboratory, Affiliated Hospital of Chengde Medical University, Hebei, China.

Medicine
|March 1, 2024
PubMed

Insights

Insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) shows promise in treating myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury (MIRI). Activating IGF-1 may offer a new therapeutic strategy for this severe cardiovascular condition.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Research
  • Molecular Biology
  • Cellular Physiology

Background:

  • Myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury (MIRI) is a critical complication of cardiovascular diseases with no current effective treatments.
  • Insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) is recognized for its growth and metabolic roles, but also exhibits significant cardioprotective effects.

Approach:

  • This review synthesizes current research on the role of IGF-1 in mitigating MIRI.
  • Mechanisms explored include IGF-1's impact on oxidative stress, mitochondrial function, noncoding RNAs, and downstream protective signaling pathways.
  • Interventions like ischemic preconditioning and post-conditioning involving IGF-1 are also discussed.

Key Points:

  • IGF-1 demonstrates broad protective effects against MIRI in myocardial tissue.
  • It counters cellular damage by reducing oxidative stress and enhancing mitochondrial function.
  • IGF-1 modulates noncoding RNAs and activates crucial cardiac protective genes and signaling pathways.

Conclusions:

  • Evidence supports IGF-1's significant role in protecting the myocardium from ischemia-reperfusion injury.
  • Activating IGF-1 pathways presents a promising therapeutic target for MIRI.
  • Further research into IGF-1-based interventions could lead to novel clinical treatments for cardiovascular events.