Research progress of the cardioprotective effects of dexmedetomidine

Background Dexmedetomidine(Dex) is a α2 adrenergic receptor agonist used with increasing frequency in both the intensive care unit (ICU) and the operating room,which exhibits sedation,analgesia,anti-anxiety,sympatholytic effects and so on.Meanwhile,it has low side-effects including respiratory depression and brain electrical interference.Recent evidence from animals and clinical studies shows that Dex has cardioprotective effects,such as anti-ischemia/reperfusion injury (I/RI) and antiarrhythmia.Objective This review discusses the cardioprotective effects for Dex in order to provide a reference for its suitable application.Content This paper reviews the cardioprotective effects of Dex together with the possible mechanisms.Trend More studies are needed to reveal the mechanisms of the cardioprotective effects of Dex,which may improve patients' prognosis. Key words: Dexmedetomidine;  α2 adrenoreceptor agonist;  Cardioprotective effect