Acute myocardial infarction is characterized by changes in biochemical properties during ischemia and reperfusion. The heart can survive a short period of ischemia by reducing myocardial contractility, increasing glucose uptake, and switching metabolism to glycolysis.
However, considering that the heart is one of the most energy-demanding tissues in the body, sustained oxygen and nutrient deprivation results in irreversible damage. Thus, reperfusion of the ischemic heart is a prerequisite for survival.

Paradoxically, reperfusion can further increase the myocardial damage that occurs during ischemia. The severity of reperfusion injury depends on the duration of the preceding ischemia and the effectiveness of blood flow during reperfusion. Several lines of evidence demonstrate that reperfusion injury is directly associated with cardiac mitochondrial dysfunction and increased ROS and RNS generation.

An imbalance of oxidants and antioxidants resulting in increased levels of ROS, RNS, or both can result in damage to lipids, proteins, carbohydrates, and DNA.
ROS…