IGF1 and myocardial ischemia: GSK-3b, a protein associated with triggering apoptosis in terminally differentiated neurons, represents another protective pathway for Akt activation through its inhibition.[63] IGF-1 has been shown to have protective and antiapoptotic properties in various models of myocardial ischemia and infarction, as well as in isolated cardiomyocytes subjected to ischemic or oxidative stress.[64] In addition, the overexpression of IGF-1 may protect cardiomyocytes from apoptosis after ischemia or postischemic reperfusion.