Autophagy and its relationship with myocardial ischemia reperfusion injury

Background Autophagy is one of the most attractive research fields in recent years. It has been found to be extensively related to myocardial ischemia reperfusion injury. Purpose This article outlines the recent progresses in the research on autophagy. Content To elucidate the classification of autophagy, its character and the detection method, as well as the relationship between autohagy and myocardial reperfusion injury, including the inducement mechanism of it. Trend The further understanding of the relationship between autophagy and reperfusion injury and the underlying mechanism is still to be elucidated,and the extent of benefitial induction of autophagy to protect myocardium from reperfusion injury is still to be decided. Key words: Autophagy;  Schemia/reperfusion injury