Heart valve repair in diabetic patients is compromised by high blood sugar damaging cells and promoting excessive scarring. A scaffold was designed that slowly releases both SS-31 peptide (for mitochondrial protection) and a cell-attracting peptide, combined with nanoparticles that neutralize reactive oxygen species. In diabetic rabbits, implanted scaffolds accelerated formation of a functional cell lining on the valve surface and promoted healthier tissue remodeling compared to unmodified scaffolds.
Fan, Yang; Xingzhuang, Du; Zhiyu, Zhao; Gaoyang, Guo; Yunbing, Wang