Nanosystems for myocardial ischemic injury theranostics

Early ischemia detection and effective treatment are crucial to reduce the risk of further complications. For diagnosing ischemic heart disease (IHD), ultrasound, magnetic resonance or computer tomography imaging is often used. However, each IHD diagnostic method has its own drawbacks, for example, the image of an ultrasound examination cannot be reproduced, the quality of the image itself may differ, the magnetic resonance examination requires a longer scanning time and is contraindicated for people with a pacemaker while computed tomography may have a low resolution. Recently, contrast agents have been utilised in clinical settings to improve ultrasound examination images. Nevertheless, the limitations linked to these agents motivate researchers to investigate alternative materials for enhancing image contrast. One example of such constructs could be nanoformulations. Studies show that nanoparticles are promising not only in the visualisation of damaged myocardium but also in therapy. Studies conducted in vivo demonstrate that incorporating cardiological drugs into nanoparticles can enhance their pharmacokinetic, physical, or even chemical characteristics. Targeted nanotherapy has gained considerable attention, involving the attachment of various peptides or ligands to the surface of nanoparticles, which bind to specific cell targets. While many studies are conducted under in vivo conditions, developing new nanoparticles to refine in vitro testing methodologies is crucial. This step is necessary to preclude inefficient compounds from advancing to preclinical animal studies, thus mitigating research costs.