Myoglobin in disease: the good and the bad

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Molecular Biology
• Physiology

Background:

• Myoglobin is a key protein in skeletal and cardiac muscles, crucial for oxygen storage and transport.
• It participates in nitric oxide (NO) metabolism, lipid metabolism, and mitochondrial respiration.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the diverse functions of myoglobin.
• To emphasize its dual role as both a pathogenic and therapeutic factor in various diseases.
• To explore underlying mechanisms for future research.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of myoglobin's functions and roles in disease.
• Analysis of existing research on myoglobin's pathogenic and therapeutic effects.
• Exploration of related molecular mechanisms.

Main Results:

• Myoglobin has a significant role in physiological processes.
• It acts as a pathogenic factor in conditions like acute kidney injury (AKI) and diabetes.
• It also shows therapeutic potential in cancer, obesity, and liver fibrosis.

Conclusions:

• Myoglobin's function in disease is complex and multifaceted.
• Understanding its dual role is critical for developing new therapeutic strategies.
• Further investigation into myoglobin's mechanisms is warranted.