Background:
Ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury is a serious pathologic event that occurs due to restriction in
blood supply to an organ, followed by hypoxia. This condition leads to enhanced levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines
such as IL-6 and TNF-, and stimulation of oxidative stress via enhancing reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels. Upon
reperfusion, blood supply increases, but it deteriorates condition, and leads to generation of ROS, cell membrane
disruption and finally, cell death. Plant derived-natural compounds are well-known due to their excellent antioxidant and
anti-inflammatory activities. Quercetin is a flavonoid exclusively found in different vegetables, herbs, and fruits. This
naturally occurring compound possesses different pharmacological activities making it appropriate option in disease
therapy. Quercetin can also demonstrate therapeutic effects via affecting molecular pathways such as NF-B, PI3K/Akt
and so on.
Methods:
In the present review, we demonstrate that quercetin administration is beneficial in ameliorating I/R injury via
reducing ROS levels, inhibition of inflammation, and affecting molecular pathways such as TLR4/NF-B, MAPK and so
on.
Results and conclusion:
Quercetin can improve cell membrane integrity via decreasing lipid peroxidation. Apoptotic cell
death is inhibited by quercetin via down-regulation of Bax, and caspases, and upregulation of Bcl-2. Quercetin is able to
modulate autophagy (inhibition/induction) in decreasing I/R injury. Nanoparticles have been applied for delivery of
quercetin, enhancing its bioavailability and efficacy in alleviation of I/R injury. Noteworthy, clinical trials have also
confirmed the capability of quercetin in reducing I/R injury.
Contractile reserve, microvascular integrity and cell membrane integrity for predicting contractile recovery after recanalization in acute myocardial infarction
