ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI)

Ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) occurs when blood supply to an organ or tissue is temporarily blocked (ischemia), then restored (reperfusion). During the ischemic phase, cells lack oxygen and nutrients, causing damage. When blood flow returns, instead of just healing, the sudden influx can trigger an inflammatory response, oxidative stress, and further cell injury. This complicated process can worsen tissue damage beyond the initial ischemia, affecting organs like the heart or kidneys after events like a heart attack or transplant. Understanding IRI is important for developing strategies to reduce tissue damage during medical procedures involving blood flow interruption.