Exogenous SDF-1α Protects Human Myocardium from Hypoxia-Reoxygenation Injury via CXCR4

Excerpt

ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is a consequence of atherosclerotic plaque rupture and thrombotic occlusion of the coronary artery causing downstream ischaemia and, eventually, cell death. The most effective therapeutic strategy for STEMI is timely reperfusion by primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI). Such reperfusion is a prerequisite for myocardial salvage, leading to smaller infarct sizes and improved clinical outcomes [1, 2]. However, reperfusion can itself inflict further injury, termed ischaemia-reperfusion injury (IRI). Despite PPCI, a recent study found 30-day, 1-year, and 5-year mortality following STEMI to be 7.9 %, 11.4 %, and 23.3 %, respectively [3]. Consequently, novel strategies to mitigate the deleterious effects of IRI are paramount. …