2012 Theses Doctoral

Molecular and Cellular Signaling Mechanisms Elucidating Aldose Reductase Mediated Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury in the Myocardium

Abdillahi, Mariane Lul

This dissertation serves to analyze the molecular and cellular signaling mechanisms by which aldose reductase (AR) contributes to ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury, specifically in the myocardium. It provides a comprehensive overview of the pathophysiology associated with acute coronary syndromes, the mechanisms of normal myocardial substrate metabolism, and how metabolism is altered under ischemic conditions. Specific chapters in this dissertation aim to elucidate whether AR pathway mediated I/R injury is linked to changes in glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK3β) phosphorylation, and whether an increased flux via AR and resultant I/R injury is mediated by changes in autophagy.