Microparticle Mediated Delivery of Apelin Improves Heart Function in Post Myocardial Infarction Mice

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Research
• Biomaterials Science
• Regenerative Medicine

Background:

• Apelin is a key regulator of cardiac homeostasis with therapeutic potential in heart failure.
• The short half-life of apelin limits its long-term efficacy in treating cardiac conditions.
• Myocardial infarction (MI) leads to significant cardiac dysfunction and remodeling.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the efficacy of microparticle-mediated slow release of apelin for improving cardiac function and left ventricular remodeling in a mouse model of MI.
• To assess the impact of apelin delivery via a cardiac patch on cardiac homeostasis post-MI.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a cardiac patch embedding apelin-loaded microparticles in a fibrin gel scaffold.
• Induction of MI in mice followed by epicardial patch placement in acute and chronic settings.
• Assessment of cardiac function, cardiomyocyte morphology, apoptosis, fibrosis, and molecular pathways.

Main Results:

• Apelin levels were reduced post-MI but normalized by day 28.
• Apelin microparticles demonstrated sustained release for up to 28 days.
• Apelin treatment inhibited cardiac hypertrophy, reduced scar size, and improved cardiac function by preventing TGF-β-mediated fibroblast activation.

Conclusions:

• Sustained epicardial delivery of apelin via microparticle-embedded patches effectively protects against MI-induced cardiac dysfunction.
• This approach inhibits cardiac fibrosis and promotes favorable left ventricular remodeling.
• Microparticle-mediated apelin delivery represents a promising therapeutic strategy for myocardial infarction.