Abstract
During cardiac bypass procedures, the heart is subjected to repeat cycles of ischaemia reperfusion injury (IRI). Pro-inflammatory signalling involving the NLRP3 inflammasome, has been identified as a key contributor in the pathogenesis of cardiac remodelling. Recent research highlighted the capability of carbon monoxide (CO) releasing compounds to reduce injury via the NLRP3 inflammasome. This study aimed to test whether a novel organic CO releasing molecule, oCOm-21, produces an anti-inflammatory effect by reducing NLRP3 levels within hearts undergoing IRI.