The gain- and loss-of-function experiments were performed to elucidate miR-18a and BDNF effects on cell autophagy and senescence in AMI by transfecting hypoxia-exposed H9c2 cells with miR-18a inhibitor or mimic, siRNA against BDNF, or hypoxia-exposed H9c2 cell treatment with an agonist of the Akt/mTOR axis (LM22B-10).