Targeting Lactic Acid Modification in Ischemic Heart Diseases: Novel Therapeutics and Mechanism

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Cardiology
• Molecular Biology

Background:

• Ischemic heart disease (IHD), particularly acute myocardial infarction (AMI), presents a significant global health challenge with high mortality rates.
• Myocardial infarction leads to substantial damage to heart structure and function, altering cellular metabolism from oxidative phosphorylation to glycolysis, resulting in lactate production.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the intricate relationship between glucose metabolism, lactate, and lactylation in the context of cardiovascular diseases.
• To elucidate the roles of lactate and lactylation in pathological processes such as inflammation, cardiac fibrosis, and heart failure following myocardial infarction.

Main Methods:

• This review synthesizes current research on glucose metabolism shifts in myocardial infarction.
• It examines the emerging role of lactylation as a post-translational modification.
• The review analyzes studies investigating the involvement of lactate and lactylation in cardiovascular disease pathogenesis.

Main Results:

• Lactate, a byproduct of altered glucose metabolism during myocardial infarction, and lactylation modifications are increasingly recognized for their involvement in inflammation and cardiac repair.
• Emerging evidence highlights their significant roles in cardiovascular conditions including myocardial infarction, fibrosis, and heart failure.

Conclusions:

• Targeting glycolysis and lactylation modifications presents a promising therapeutic avenue for managing cardiovascular diseases.
• Understanding these metabolic and post-translational modifications is crucial for developing novel treatment strategies for heart conditions.