In the relentless pursuit of innovative solutions to combat heart disease, a groundbreaking study led by Kai Wang from The State Key Laboratory of Transvascular Implantation Devices and the Department of Polymer Science and Engineering at Zhejiang University has unveiled a novel approach to treating myocardial infarction (MI). The research, published in Bioactive Materials, introduces a cutting-edge therapeutic strategy that leverages microgels to deliver microRNAs (miR-19a/b) directly to the heart, aiming to regenerate damaged tissue and improve cardiac function.
The study addresses a critical challenge in cardiac regeneration: the efficient and safe delivery of therapeutic agents to the heart. Traditional methods often face hurdles such as toxicity and the risk of sudden death. Wang and his team developed oxidative stress-relief microgels that not only deliver miR-19a/b but also modulate the inflammatory tissue microenvironment, promoting cardiomyocyte proliferation and maintaining heart function post-MI.
The microgels are engineered with a unique design: cholesterol-modified miR-19a/b is encapsulated into the cavity of β-cyclodextrin in selenoketal-containing microgels. This design allows the microgels to effectively scavenge reactive oxygen species (ROS), down-regulating intracellular ROS levels and reducing the levels of typical inflammatory factors. “Our microgels create a more favorable environment for cardiomyocyte survival and uptake of miR-19a/b,” Wang explains. “This leads to significant promotion of cardiomyocyte proliferation in vivo, which is crucial for cardiac regeneration.”
The implications of this research are profound, particularly for the energy sector, where cardiovascular health is a critical concern for workers exposed to high-stress environments. The ability to regenerate damaged heart tissue and improve cardiac function could lead to reduced downtime and increased productivity, as well as improved quality of life for workers. “By inhibiting the acute inflammatory response and reducing cardiomyocyte apoptosis, our microgels significantly improve cardiac function and restrict pathological remodeling post-MI,” Wang adds.
The study’s findings, validated in both rat and minipig models of MI, demonstrate the microgels’ effectiveness in enhancing heart function and restricting pathological remodeling. The results, revealed through echocardiography and histological analysis, show a best heart function, underscoring the potential of this approach in clinical settings.
This research opens new avenues for future developments in cardiac regeneration. The innovative use of microgels for targeted delivery of therapeutic agents could revolutionize the treatment of MI and other cardiovascular diseases. As the field advances, we can expect to see more sophisticated and effective therapies that not only treat the symptoms but also address the underlying causes of heart disease. The work published in Bioactive Materials, which translates to “Bioactive Materials” in English, represents a significant step forward in this direction, offering hope for a future where heart disease is more effectively managed and treated.
