Neutrophil Elastase as A Potential Target in Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury

Neutrophil elastase (NE), a major protease in neutrophils, is important in promoting inflammation and multiple pathological processes. While NE is released abundantly in ischemiareperfusion (I/R) injury, the intricate relationship between NE and I/R injury remains unclear. We examine several aspects of how NE is involved in I/R injury. We also discuss the possibility of NE inhibitors used for abbreviating various types of I/R injury, such as myocardial infarction, based on preclinical research and clinical trials. Furthermore, we highlight the key question, the balance of NE and NE inhibitors, and propose new research directions. This review is useful for understanding the intrinsic interplay between NE and I/R injury-related diseases and expects to facilitate the development of effective NE inhibitors applied for I/R injury.