Abstract: The present invention relates to pharmaceutical compositions for treating diseases and conditions caused by ischemia. The pharmaceutical compositions contain a conjugate of a phospholipase (PL) polypeptide and a protein transduction domain (PTD). PLC-? plays a major role in the regulation of cytosolic calcium levels. During myocardial ischemia, cytosolic calcium accumulation mediates pathogenic changes. According to the present invention, ischemic diseases or conditions leading to hypoxia in tissues, such as the heart and the brain, can be prevented or alleviated by administration of a PTD-PL conjugate.