Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in developed countries. Despite worldwide extensive research in the past several decades, effective therapeutic interventions reducing cardiovascular mortality are limited. It is increasingly recognized by the cardiovascular community that eliminating the risk factors and preventing the development of cardiovascular disease is a much better strategy in our battle against cardiovascular disease morbidity and mortality. The central focus of our laboratory is to identify the mechanisms responsible for myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury, for the ultimate purpose of clinical translational benefit. We currently work upon research directions attempting to identify new therapeutic targets at the molecular, cellular, organ and in vivo animal model levels that may block cardiovascular complications caused by the metabolic syndrome, the number one risk factor for cardiovascular disease.