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Review
. 2013 Sep;18(5):575-84.
doi: 10.1007/s10741-012-9367-2.

Autophagy: an affair of the heart

Roberta A Gottlieb  1 , Robert M Mentzer Jr
Affiliations
Review

Autophagy: an affair of the heart

Roberta A Gottlieb et al. Heart Fail Rev. 2013 Sep.

Abstract

Whether an element of routine housekeeping or in the setting of imminent disaster, it is a good idea to get one's affairs in order. Autophagy, the process of recycling organelles and protein aggregates, is a basal homeostatic process and an evolutionarily conserved response to starvation and other forms of metabolic stress. Our understanding of the role of autophagy in the heart is changing rapidly as new information becomes available. This review examines the role of autophagy in the heart in the setting of cardioprotection, hypertrophy, and heart failure. Contradictory findings are reconciled in light of recent developments. The preponderance of evidence favors a beneficial role for autophagy in the heart under most conditions.

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Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Stressors such as pressure overload drive the hypertrophic response, resulting in accumulation of damaged organelles and protein aggregates. Autophagy defends against cellular clutter
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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