Abstract
BACKGROUND Creatine phosphate (CrP) plays a fundamental physiological role by providing chemical energy for cell viability and activity, especially in muscle tissue. Numerous pathological conditions, caused by acute or chronic ischaemic situations, are related to its deficiency. For these reasons, it has been used as a cardioprotective agent in heart surgery and medical cardiology for many years. OBJECTIVE This article gives a brief overview of the main characteristics of exogenous CrP. METHODS Previous review articles on CrP were screened for relevant information and references. Results from selected studies were reviewed and classified according to the topics in this review article and provided further interesting information on the pharmacological role of this molecule. RESULTS Besides CrP's well known cell energy and function restoring properties, new evidence is emerging regarding its antioxidant and anti-apoptotic properties. Use of CrP is well established clinically as an intraoperative and perioperative adjuvant in heart operations (valve replacement, coronary artery bypass grafting, congenital heart defect repair), and as an additional agent in medical cardiology therapy for acute myocardial infarction and acute and chronic heart failure. In particular, there are promising potential new CrP uses in neurology, such as in cerebral ischaemia and hypoxic ischaemic encephalopathy. CONCLUSIONS This review article describes the role of CrP treatment in cardiological indications, such as cardioprotection in cardioplegia and in myocardiopathies of various etiopathogenesis, as well as in other clinical indications such as skeletal muscle rehabilitation and neurological conditions.
