UCLA researchers in the Department of Bioengineering have developed a novel injectable human amniotic membrane matrix for the treatment of heart failure.
BACKGROUND:
Myocardial infarction (MI) associated heart failure is the leading cause of death in the United States. In 2015, heart failure affected about 40 million people worldwide. Around 2% of adults suffer from heart failure. MI occurs when blood flow to the heart from coronary arteries is occluded, causing ischemia and subsequent myocardial tissue death. Myocardial tissue is unable to effectively regenerate following MI, thus leading to scar formation, left ventricular remodeling, and eventual heart failure. Treatment options are limited for more severe forms of heart failure. There is currently no effective treatment for patients with chronic mild heart failure other than lifestyle change.
INNOVATION:
UCLA researchers in the Department of Bioengineering have developed a novel injectable human amniotic membrane (hAM) matrix for the treatment of heart failure. Human amniotic membrane was isolated from human placenta and engineered to be a thermo-responsible, injectable gel around body temperature. Ultrasound-guided injection of hAM matrix into a rodent model of myocardial infarction significantly improved cardiac contractility, as measured by ejection fraction (EF), and decreased fibrosis. Their results demonstrate the feasibility of engineering an injectable hAM matrix and its efficacy in attenuating degenerative changes in cardiac function following MI, which may have broad applications in tissue regeneration
POTENTIAL APPLICATIONS:
• Treatment for myocardial infarction
• Treatment for heart failure
ADVANTAGES:
• Thermo-sensitive hydrogel
• Can be injected via a catheter
• Hydrogel has regenerative property
• Improved cardiac contractility after injection
DEVELOPMENT-TO-DATE:
The study has been validated in mice.