Harnessing synergistic effects of MMP-2 Inhibition and bFGF to simultaneously preserve and vascularize cardiac extracellular matrix after myocardial infarction

1) This work addresses key challenges in cardiac repair after myocardial infarction (MI), including extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation, vascularization, and fibrosis. 2) We combined an MMP-2/9 inhibitor (CTT) with bFGF to prevent ECM degradation, enhance vascularization, and inhibit fibrosis, providing a comprehensive strategy to improve cardiac function. 3) An injectable hydrogel was developed with rapid gelation and mechanical properties similar to heart tissue, ensuring efficient drug retention and reducing tissue stress. 4) The hydrogel enabled controlled, spatiotemporal release of CTT to dynamically reduce MMP-2/9 activity, and gradually released bFGF to promote angiogenesis and inhibit fibrosis.

1) This work addresses key challenges in cardiac repair after myocardial infarction (MI), including extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation, vascularization, and fibrosis. 2) We combined an MMP-2/9 inhibitor (CTT) with bFGF to prevent ECM degradation, enhance vascularization, and inhibit fibrosis, providing a comprehensive strategy to improve cardiac function. 3) An injectable hydrogel was developed with rapid gelation and mechanical properties similar to heart tissue, ensuring efficient drug retention and reducing tissue stress. 4) The hydrogel enabled controlled, spatiotemporal release of CTT to dynamically reduce MMP-2/9 activity, and gradually released bFGF to promote angiogenesis and inhibit fibrosis.