Work

Injectable sustained-release danshensu sodium-loaded nanoparticle hydrogel targets macrophages to improve myocardial microenvironment for myocardial infarction treatment

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Myocardial infarction (MI) induces cardiomyocyte necrosis, inflammation, fibrosis, and ventricular remodeling, leading to heart failure. To address this, we developed an intelligent cardiac patch, SMM@Gel, composed of a reactive oxygen species (ROS)-responsive PVA-TSPBA hydrogel matrix reinforced via solvent exchange and salting-out technology, loaded with mannose-functionalized, danshensu sodium-loaded hollow mesoporous polydopamine nanoparticles (Sa@mPDA-Man). This design makes sustained drug release and ROS scavenging come true. In vitro, studies demonstrated SMM@Gel promoted endothelial tube formation (24 ± 3 nodes vs. 6 ± 2 in controls) and M2 macrophage polarization (CD206+ cells) while reducing inflammation (iNOS downregulation). In vivo, experiments in MI rats revealed SMM@Gel preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF: 52.3 % ± 4.1 % vs. 38.5 % ± 3.2 % in the saline group), normalized ventricular dimensions (EDV/ESV) and enhanced wall thickness. Histological analysis showed reduced infarct size (18.7 % ± 2.5 % vs. 32.1 % ± 3.8 %), decreased inflammation, and improved neovascularization. RNA-seq identified pathways linked to angiogenesis, inflammation resolution, and extracellular matrix remodeling. These findings highlight SMM@Gel's potential as a dual-action therapy for MI, combining ROS scavenging, anti-inflammatory effects, and angiogenic promotion to mitigate post-MI remodeling and preserve cardiac function.

Source: Bioactive Materials

DOI: 10.1016/j.bioactmat.2025.08.014

Authors: Jianqiu Yang, Jing Wang, Zhihua Zeng, Zhenyu Chen, Dingguo Wang, Yongbing Wu

Institutions: Nanchang University, Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Health Commission of Jiangxi Province

Language: English

Topic: Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine

Subfield: Surgery

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,200