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Published on: February 3, 2017
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.
Abstract:
Myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury (MIRI) is a severe damage inflicted on the ischemic myocardium when blood flow is restored, and it commonly occurs in a wide range of cardiovascular diseases. Presently, no effective clinical treatment exists for MIRI. Accumulating evidence indicates that insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) plays a role in the intricate chain of cardiovascular events, in addition to its well-recognized growth-promoting and metabolic effects. IGF-1, a member of the insulin family, exhibits a broad spectrum of protective effects against ischemia/reperfusion injury in various tissues, especially the myocardium. In particular, earlier research has demonstrated that IGF-1 reduces cellular oxidative stress, improves mitochondrial function, interacts with noncoding RNAs, and activates cardiac downstream protective genes and protective signaling channels. This review aimed to summarize the role of IGF-1 in MIRI and elucidate its related mechanisms of action. In addition, IGF-1-related interventions for MIRI, such as ischemic preconditioning and post-conditioning, were discussed. The purpose of this review was to provide evidence supporting the activation of IGF-1 in MIRI and advocate its use as a therapeutic target.
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.

