Mitochondrial inner membrane lipids and proteins as targets for decreasing cardiac ischemia/reperfusion injury

A major manifestation of coronary artery disease is cardiac ischemia/reperfusion injury, with the extent of injury directly relating to short- and long-term prognosis. Emerging evidence suggests that mitochondrial dysfunction is centrally involved in ischemia/reperfusion injury. In this review, we summarize the role of mitochondria in the etiology of ischemia/reperfusion injury. We attempt to highlight emerging areas for cardiac mitochondrial medicine and discuss recent advances regarding the molecular composition of inner membrane channels. We discuss interactions between lipids and proteins in the inner mitochondrial membrane, and the ever-evolving nature of this relationship during ischemia/reperfusion. Potentially novel treatments influencing the biophysical properties of inner membrane lipids (such as cardiolipin) are presented. Finally, we point to areas where future study is needed to expand and improve our understanding of mitochondrial pathophysiology during cardiac ischemia/reperfusion.