VEGF-Loaded HANB/F127DA photosensitive hydrogel in combination with exercise training: For improving post-myocardial...

Myocardial infarction (MI) is one of the primary predisposing factors for heart failure and poses a significant threat to human health. Concurrently, the vascular architecture of the heart is compromised, and its inherent repair capacity is notably limited. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-based pro-angiogenic therapies have shown promising efficacy. Nevertheless, their direct application is still plagued by substantial limitations regarding therapeutic efficacy. Herein, we have designed HANB/F127DA hydrogel patch has been developed for VEGF delivery. This hydrogel enables the sustained and gradual release of VEGF without impairing its activity, while also possessing tunable mechanical properties and tissue adhesion capabilities. In vitro experiments have demonstrated that VEGF is rapidly released initially, followed by a sustained release phase, thereby promoting early angiogenesis and preventing its regression. The administration of VEGF-loaded HANB/F127DA hydrogel onto the MI site in Sprague-Dawley rats has been shown to effectively stimulate neovascularization, attenuate inflammatory responses, reduce fibrosis, and enhance cardiac function. Moreover, exercise training has been shown to improve blood circulation and stimulate angiogenesis. Consequently, the concurrent application of exercise training may exert a synergistic effect. The findings of the study suggest that the combined application of HANB/F127DA@VEGF hydrogel and a 4-week exercise regimen can significantly enhance neovascularization and improve cardiac function in rats with MI.