A Cardiac-Targeted Nanozyme Interrupts the Inflammation-Free Radical Cycle in Myocardial Infarction

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Nanomedicine
• Cardiovascular Research

Background:

• Systemic inflammation post-myocardial infarction (MI) significantly increases mortality.
• MI-induced free radicals exacerbate cardiac inflammation, leading to heart failure.
• Current anti-inflammatory drugs show limited efficacy due to poor cardiac targeting and weak effects.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel nanozyme for targeted therapy of myocardial infarction.
• To investigate the anti-inflammatory and free radical scavenging capabilities of the nanozyme.
• To evaluate the therapeutic potential of the nanozyme in preclinical MI models.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of Fe-Cur@TA nanozyme by coordinating Fe3+ and curcumin (Cur) with tannic acid (TA).
• Assessment of nanozyme's anti-inflammatory effects, including immune cell infiltration, macrophage polarization, and cytokine suppression.
• Evaluation of cardiac retention and uptake using in vivo models.
• Testing therapeutic efficacy in mouse and beagle dog MI models.

Main Results:

• Fe-Cur@TA nanozyme demonstrated potent free radical scavenging and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Nanozyme effectively reduced immune cell infiltration and promoted M2-like macrophage polarization.
• Tannic acid modification significantly enhanced cardiac retention and uptake (nearly tenfold increase).
• In vivo studies showed preserved cardiac function and reduced scar size post-MI.

Conclusions:

• Fe-Cur@TA nanozyme effectively blocks the inflammation-free radical cycle in cardiac lesions.
• The nanozyme exhibits superior cardiac targeting and retention compared to non-modified counterparts.
• This novel nanozyme therapy holds significant promise for clinical translation in treating myocardial infarction and cardiovascular diseases.