An injectable capillary-like microstructured alginate hydrogel improves left ventricular function after myocardial infarction in rats

作者：Della Rocca Domenico G; Willenberg Bradley J; Qi Yanfei; Simmons Chelsey S; Rubiano Andres; Ferreira Leonardo F; Huo Tianyao; Petersen John W; Ruchaya Prashant J; Wate Prateek S; Wise Elizabeth A; Handberga Eileen M; Cogle Christopher R; Batich Christopher D; Byrne Barry J; Pepine Carl J^*

来源：International Journal of Cardiology, 2016, 220: 149-154.

DOI：10.1016/j.ijcard.2016.06.158

• Gelatinized alginate hydrogel
• Capillary-like channels
• Myocardial infarction

Background: A new post-myocardial infarction (MI) therapy is injection of high-water-content polymeric biomaterial gels (hydrogels) into damaged myocardium to modulate cardiac negative remodeling and preserve heart function.
Methods: We investigated the therapeutic potential of a novel gelatinized alginate hydrogel with a unique micro-structure of uniform capillary-like channels (termed Capgel). Shortly (48 h) after induced anterior MI, Sprague Dawley rats received intramyocardial injection of Capgel directly into the antero-septal wall at the infarct border zone (n = 12) or no injection (n = 10, controls). Echocardiograms were performed at 48 h (week 0) and 4 weeks (week 4) to evaluate left ventricular function.
Results: Echocardiograms showed 27% improvement of left ventricular systolic function over time with gel injection: fractional shortening increased from 26 +/- 3% at week 0 to 33 +/- 2% at week 4 (p = 0.001). Capgel was present at the injection site after 4 weeks, but was minimal at 8 weeks. The remaining gel was heavily populated by CD68(+) macrophages with CD206(+) clusters and blood vessels. An in vitro experiment was performed to assess Angiotensin-(1-7) released from Capgel. Angiotensin-(1-7) was released from the Capgel in a sustained manner for 90 days.
Conclusions: Use of Capgel, a degradable, bioactive hydrogel composed of gelatinized capillary-alginate gel, appears safe for intramyocardial injection, is associated with improved left ventricular function after MI in rats, and may provide a long-term supply of Angiotensin-(1-7).

• 出版日期2016-10-1