Nanomaterials help the heart to heal: NCKU - The China Post
National Cheng Kung University (NCKU) has made a breakthrough in cardiac repair, which may be a promising cure for ailing hearts.
NCKU used nanofibers and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) to help endogenous stem cells to repair cardiac and vascular regeneration.
The study led by Hsieh Ching-ho, professor and cardiac surgeon at NCKU, shed light on the cardiovascular therapy by providing a new strategy for cardiovascular repair with potential for future clinical translation.
Following the study's acceptance by Science Translational Medicine on Wednesday, Science and Nature highlighted the findings.The Wall Street Journal, SWR German Public Radio and Correio Braziliense have also arranged for exclusive reports.
NCKU President Hwung Hweng-hwung said, “A good professor is dedicated to scientific research beneficial to society, which is highly valued by NCKU.”
The study combined tissue engineering, nanotechnology and controlled protein delivery to induce endogenous stem cell therapy for cardiac function improvement. VEGF therapy, a key factor for vascular genesis, is currently an alternative method to treat cardiovascular disease; however, the method hasn't worked well, according to Hsieh.
“The combination of nanomaterial with VEGF works well for the nanofibers creates a special microenvironment in the heart for recruiting stem cells,” said Hsieh.
The experiments, conducted on rats and pigs, led to the growth of fresh blood vessels and improved heart function without harmful side effects, said Hsieh adding that more testing is required before moving to patients.
The researchers said they treated the rats and pigs immediately after a heart attack. When it comes to people, said Hsieh, it might be similarly effective to give the therapy in the first week after a heart attack, when stem cell activity is highest.
Cardiovascular disease is the No. 1 cause of death in advanced countries around the world and there are about 2 million patients with heart disease every year in Taiwan, with 400,000 deaths from heart failure, most of which is due to coronary artery.
NCKU used nanofibers and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) to help endogenous stem cells to repair cardiac and vascular regeneration.
The study led by Hsieh Ching-ho, professor and cardiac surgeon at NCKU, shed light on the cardiovascular therapy by providing a new strategy for cardiovascular repair with potential for future clinical translation.
Following the study's acceptance by Science Translational Medicine on Wednesday, Science and Nature highlighted the findings.The Wall Street Journal, SWR German Public Radio and Correio Braziliense have also arranged for exclusive reports.
NCKU President Hwung Hweng-hwung said, “A good professor is dedicated to scientific research beneficial to society, which is highly valued by NCKU.”
The study combined tissue engineering, nanotechnology and controlled protein delivery to induce endogenous stem cell therapy for cardiac function improvement. VEGF therapy, a key factor for vascular genesis, is currently an alternative method to treat cardiovascular disease; however, the method hasn't worked well, according to Hsieh.
“The combination of nanomaterial with VEGF works well for the nanofibers creates a special microenvironment in the heart for recruiting stem cells,” said Hsieh.
The experiments, conducted on rats and pigs, led to the growth of fresh blood vessels and improved heart function without harmful side effects, said Hsieh adding that more testing is required before moving to patients.
The researchers said they treated the rats and pigs immediately after a heart attack. When it comes to people, said Hsieh, it might be similarly effective to give the therapy in the first week after a heart attack, when stem cell activity is highest.
Cardiovascular disease is the No. 1 cause of death in advanced countries around the world and there are about 2 million patients with heart disease every year in Taiwan, with 400,000 deaths from heart failure, most of which is due to coronary artery.
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