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A Hydrogel Construct and Fibrin-based Glue Approach to Deliver Therapeutics in a Murine Myocardial Infarction Model.
Published on: June 14, 2015
An Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Patch Based on Injectable Bioadhesive Hydrogel Prevents Postoperative Atrial
Wei-Qi Lu1,2, Ming-Min Zhou1, Jin-Qiang Peng3
1Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Intervention and Regenerative Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Department of Cardiology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310016, China.
This study presents a novel localized drug delivery system to prevent postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF). The system uses modified andrographolide in a hydrogel to reduce atrial inflammation and oxidative stress, significantly lowering POAF risk.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Cardiovascular Research
- Drug Delivery Systems
Background:
- Postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) is a frequent surgical complication.
- POAF is associated with atrial inflammation and oxidative stress.
- Current treatments for POAF are limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a localized drug delivery system for POAF prevention.
- To achieve continuous, targeted delivery of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant agents to the atrial region.
- To evaluate the efficacy of the developed system in reducing POAF susceptibility.
Main Methods:
- Chemical modification of andrographolide with phenylboronic acid (PBAn) for enhanced solubility and loading into PLGA microspheres.
- Construction of an injectable, bioadhesive hydrogel using a copolymer and O-carboxymethyl chitosan for cardiac tissue adherence.
- In vitro assessment of PBAn's ROS-responsive release, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects on relevant cell lines.
- In vivo evaluation in a rat pericarditis model to assess the system's impact on atrial inflammation, oxidative stress, macrophage polarization, and electrical stability.
Main Results:
- PBAn demonstrated ROS-responsive release and exhibited anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties in vitro.
- The localized hydrogel system significantly reduced atrial inflammation and oxidative stress in a rat model.
- The treatment promoted anti-inflammatory M2 macrophage polarization and enhanced cardiac electrical stability.
- The developed system markedly decreased susceptibility to POAF in the experimental model.
Conclusions:
- A novel, localized drug delivery strategy effectively targets atrial inflammation and oxidative stress.
- This approach shows significant potential for preventing postoperative atrial fibrillation.
- The combination of modified therapeutics, sustained-release microspheres, and bioadhesive hydrogels offers a promising platform for cardiovascular applications.

