Apoptosis and the Cardiovascular System

In recent years, the concept of apoptosis has become the goal of scientific investigations in various medical disciplines, including cardiology. Apoptosis is the self-killing mechanism of the cell and the main purpose of apoptosis is summarised as cleaning of the old, nonfunctioning and infected cells. The major difference between apoptosis and normal cell death is the cleaving of the DNA producing 180-200 bp segments. Apoptosis is controlled by hormones, growth factors, cations and genes which are the most important. This article deseribes the discovery, definition, comparison with necrosis, genetic control and possible mechanisms of apoptosis. The most recent trials in cardiology regarding this subject are also discussed.