Myocardial Infarction – VJRegenMed

The future of omentum-based autologous tissue engineering

Simon Ng — Thu, 21 Apr 2022 15:01:23 +0000

Advances in autologous tissue regeneration in the form of an omentum-derived hydrogel and induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived tissue have led to promising therapies for spinal cord injury and cardiac infarction. Asaf Toker, MD, Matricelf, Ness Ziona, Israel, provides an overview of the future of this novel technology. Whilst currently only being assessed in two indications, this method of autologous tissue engineering can theoretically be applied to any type of damaged tissue. Potential indications include Parkinson’s Disease, age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and other musculoskeletal disorders. This interview was conducted during Meeting on the Mediterranean 2022.

Restoring cardiac tissue with omentum-based hydrogel implants

Simon Ng — Wed, 20 Apr 2022 14:43:26 +0000

Asaf Toker, MD, Matricelf, Ness Ziona, Israel, describes of the development of an autologous omental hydrogel to treat damaged cardiac tissue after a myocardial infarction. In a similar fashion to neural implants for spinal cord injuries also produced by Matricelf, the novel therapy utilizes autologous omental tissue that is decellularized to make a thermo-responsive hydrogel. Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) derived from the patient’s peripheral blood subsequently differentiates into cardiac tissue when attached to the hydrogel. The implant can either be surgically attached on the injured tissue or can be injected and then solidify once in the body. This interview was conducted during Meeting on the Mediterranean 2022.

EV-based therapies for myocardial infarction

Simon Ng — Wed, 19 Jan 2022 13:01:32 +0000

Marta Monguió-Tortajada, PhD, Health Science Research Institute Germans Trias i Pujol (IGTP), Badalona, Spain, comments on utilizing extracellular vesicles (EVs) derived from mesenchymal stem cells to regenerate cardiac tissue after a myocardial infarction. EVs that were found to promote angiogenesis and reduce inflammation were identified and with a tissue-engineered scaffold, were delivered to scar tissue. After a period of 30 days, fibrosis was reduced and increased cardiac function was observed. This interview took place at the 6th World Congress of the Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine International Society (TERMIS 2021).

In situ cardiac regeneration with injectable hydrogels

Simon Ng — Tue, 18 Jan 2022 18:02:40 +0000

Valeria Chiono, PhD, Politecnico di Torino, Turin, Italy, provides an overview of developing injectable hydrogels containing microRNA-loaded nanoparticles for regenerating cardiac tissue. There are currently no regenerative therapies for cardiovascular diseases such as myocardial infarctions, with heart transplantation being the only long-term solution. Injection of nanoparticles loaded with microRNA can induce the conversion of scar tissue to cardiomyocytes in situ. This interview took place at the 6th World Congress of the Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine International Society (TERMIS 2021).

Polyhydroxyalkanoate-based scaffolds for engineered cardiac tissue

Simon Ng — Mon, 17 Jan 2022 13:05:32 +0000

The formation of scar tissue after a myocardial infarction decreases functionality of the heart, and heart transplantation is often required as a result. Ipsita Roy, PhD, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK, discusses the role of polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) in cardiac tissue engineering. Patches made from PHA seeded with cardiac tissue derived from induced pluripotent stem cells (iSPCs) can surpass the need for transplantation by regenerating healthy tissue in the heart. PHAs are biocompatible and have demonstrated promising efficacy as a drug delivery system. Prof. Roy also highlights the development of multi-material patches with the addition of alginate. This interview took place at the 6th World Congress of the Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine International Society (TERMIS 2021).