Apoptosis in myocardial infarction

Apoptosis, one of the major forms of cell death, has been implicated in different cardiovascular diseases. In this paper we review many of the different studies that have been performed to address the occurrence of apoptotic cell death associated with myocardial infarction. A definitive differentiation between apoptosis and other forms of cell death is still needed, mainly because of differences and limitations of the methods used for detection. In myocardial infarction apoptosis has been reported at acute stages of evolution in the ischemic area as well as in remote zones. In the ischemic area it might be a determinant of the final size of the infarct and it seems to depend on the presence of post-ischemic reperfusion. However, the incidence of apoptosis reported until now varies widely. In the myocardium remote from the ischemic area it might be associated with the progression towards heart failure. At present, the role and significance of apoptosis in myocardial infarction is rather inconclusive. Further studies are needed to solve methodological uncertainties and clarify the mechanisms involved in the process of cell death, which is particularly important as a basis for therapeutic interventions.