Abstract:
Myocardial infarction (MI), commonly known as a heart attack, is a leading cause of death worldwide. The ischemic damage during MI results in irreversible loss of cardiomyocytes, leading to impaired cardiac function and heart failure. Current treatment strategies aim to restore blood flow and limit infarct size, but they often fail to address the long-term consequences of MI. Biomimetic nanomaterials have emerged as promising candidates for myocardial repair due to their ability to mimic the natural extracellular matrix (ECM), provide structural support, and promote tissue regeneration.
In this preclinical study, we investigate the efficacy of biomimetic nanofibers composed of self-assembling peptides in minimizing myocardial damage post-MI. We hypothesized that these nanofibers could provide a supportive scaffold for cardiomyocyte survival, reduce inflammation, and promote angiogenesis, thereby preserving cardiac function.
Methods:
A murine model of MI was used to assess the effects of biomimetic nanofibers. Animals were randomized into two groups: MI control and MI with nanofiber treatment. The nanofibers were delivered directly to the infarct zone via intramyocardial injection. Cardiac function was evaluated by echocardiography at baseline, 1 week, and 4 weeks post-MI. Infarct size, inflammatory response, and angiogenesis were assessed using histological and immunohistochemical analyses.
Results:
The biomimetic nanofibers significantly reduced infarct size, preserved left ventricular ejection fraction, and improved cardiac function compared to the MI control group. Furthermore, the nanofibers promoted cardiomyocyte survival, reduced inflammation, and stimulated angiogenesis within the infarct zone. These beneficial effects were attributed to the biomimetic properties of the nanofibers, which provided a favorable microenvironment for tissue regeneration.
Conclusions:
Our study demonstrates the potential of biomimetic nanomaterials in mitigating myocardial damage and preserving cardiac function post-MI. By mimicking the native ECM, these nanofibers offer a promising therapeutic approach for improving long-term outcomes in patients with MI. Further studies are warranted to evaluate the safety and efficacy of these nanomaterials in larger animal models and clinical trials.
