Pre- and Post-Conditioning of the Heart: An Overview of Cardioprotective Signaling Pathways

Abstract

Since the discovery of ischemic pre- and post-conditioning, more than 30 years ago, the knowledge about the mechanisms and signaling pathways involved in these processes has significantly increased. In clinical practice, on the other hand, such advancement has yet to be seen. This article provides an overview of ischemic pre-, post-, remote, and pharmacological conditioning related to the heart. In addition, we reviewed the cardioprotective signaling pathways and therapeutic agents involved in the above-mentioned processes, aiming to provide a comprehensive evaluation of the advancements in the field. The advancements made over the last decades cannot be ignored and with the exponential growth in techniques and applications. The future of pre- and post-conditioning is promising.

Keywords: Heart; cardioprotective drugs.; cardioprotective signaling pathway; ischemic post-conditioning; ischemic pre-conditioning; postpharmacological conditioning; pre-pharmacological conditioning; remote pre-conditioning.