Myocardial ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury remains a major determinant of outcome following acute myocardial infarction. Although timely reperfusion is essential for myocardial salvage, it simultaneously initiates inflammatory cascades that contribute to additional injury and drive long-term ventricular remodeling. Despite extensive experimental research, many cardioprotective strategies have failed to translate successfully into clinical practice, highlighting the need for a more nuanced unde