OBJECTIVETo review the role of heme oxyenase-1 in organ transplantation and explore the potential applications targeted on overexpression of heme oxyenase-1 gene.

DATA SOURCESThe data cited in this review were mainly obtained from the articles listed in Medline and PubMed, published from January 1996 to December 2008. The search terms were "heme oxygenase-1" and "transplantation".

STUDY SELECTIONArticles regarding the role of heme oxyenase-1 in organ transplantation and its protective role in transplants were selected. Protective effects of heme oxygenase-1 overexpression using a gene transfer approach against ischaemic reperfusion injury during transplantation were widely explored.

RESULTSLocal heme oxygenase-1 overexpression in the graft ameliorates the ischaemic reperfusion injury. This is due to removal of heme, a potent prooxidant and proinflammatory agent, but also because of generation of biologically active products.

CONCLUSIONSOverexpressive heme oxygenase-1 activity is associated with tissue protection in the setting of graft, ischaemic reperfusion injury. Gene therapy is attractive to us; but a long way from general application. In terms of heme oxygenase-1, the gene promoters are polymorphic. Although individualization is an important principle during clinical application, it is difficult to put into practice.