New Breakthrough Treatment for Myocardial Infarction Using Nanovesicles
Myocardial infarction, also known as heart attack, is a severe condition that claims numerous lives worldwide. In Korea, it is the second leading cause of death, highlighting the urgent need for effective treatments. Fortunately, a team of researchers from the Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) and the Catholic University of Korea College of Medicine has made a groundbreaking discovery in the field of myocardial infarction treatment.
Dr. Yoon Ki Joung and Dr. Juro Lee, along with Prof. Hun-Jun Park and Dr. Bong-Woo Park, have developed a promising new approach that utilizes nanovesicles derived from fibroblasts with induced apoptosis. These nanovesicles work by modulating the immune response in the heart, offering potential for a more targeted and effective treatment for myocardial infarction. The team’s findings were recently published in the esteemed journal Advanced Functional Materials.
Myocardial infarction occurs when the coronary arteries that supply blood to the heart become narrowed or blocked, leading to insufficient blood flow to the heart muscle. This deprivation of vital nutrients and oxygen results in poor heart function and can have devastating consequences.
Traditionally, standard treatments for myocardial infarction have included drug administration, percutaneous angioplasty, and arterial bypass surgery. However, these approaches may not be suitable for severe cases, and not all patients respond positively to them.
The research team at KIST identified the potential of reducing the inflammatory response in the heart muscle by utilizing nanomedicine based on apoptotic cells. Apoptotic cells undergo programmed cell death due to biochemical changes, and the team harnessed this process to develop nanovesicles with specific peptides and substances that target sites of ischemic myocardial infarction. These anti-inflammatory nanovesicles can be delivered specifically to macrophages at the site of myocardial infarction, reducing inflammation and fibrosis while promoting blood vessel preservation and enhancing the survival of cardiomyocytes.
In animal studies conducted by the researchers, nanovesicles were intravenously injected into rats and effectively delivered to the myocardial infarction site. They were specifically recruited to macrophages, resulting in a substantial increase in left ventricular ejection fraction over a four-week period. This increase in cardiac contractile force, along with the reduction in inflammation and fibrosis, showcased significant improvements in cardiomyocyte survival and overall cardiac function.
Dr. Yoon Ki Joung, one of the lead researchers, expressed enthusiasm about the study’s findings, stating, This is the first study to use nanovesicles produced from apoptosis-induced cells to treat myocardial infarction, and it has the advantage of being able to mass-produce them because it uses other cells rather than stem cells. He also revealed plans for further research, including clinical trials, in collaboration with the Catholic University of Korea Medical School and bio companies to verify the effectiveness and safety of this innovative treatment.
As the number of myocardial infarction cases continues to rise globally, the need for effective treatments becomes increasingly crucial. This breakthrough discovery in utilizing nanovesicles derived from apoptosis-induced cells offers a promising avenue for combating myocardial infarction and improving patient outcomes. With further research and clinical trials, this innovative treatment approach may soon become a game-changer in the field of cardiology.
