Alleviation of Myocardial Infarction by Hydrogen Sulfide-Releasing Nanoparticles: Mechanisms and Therapeutic Effects

Myocardial infarction (MI), a common and severe disease threatening human health worldwide, results from ischemic and hypoxic-induced necrosis of cardiac tissue due to coronary artery obstruction or rupture. Hydrogen sulfide (H ₂ S) is a gasotransmitter involved in various physiological and pathological processes. Exogenous supplementation of H ₂ S is significantly beneficial for the treatment of MI. In this study, a novel H ₂ S donor - zinc sulfide nanoparticles encapsulated in hyaluronic acid (HA@ZnS NPs), has been developed through a biomimetic mineralization process for the treatment of MI. HA@ZnS NPs can stably release H ₂ S at the site of myocardial ischemic injury due to the acidic microenvironment. Compared to the MI group, the NP-treated group significantly improved cardiac function, including increased left ventricular ejection fraction and fractional shortening, as well as reduced end-systolic volume. Furthermore, the NPs significantly reduced the size of the myocardial infarction area, improved left ventricular remodeling, and exerted therapeutic effects by promoting angiogenesis and reducing apoptosis in cardiac tissue. In conclusion, HA@ZnS NPs demonstrate potential for treating MI through precise control of H ₂ S release, providing valuable insights into new therapies for MI and laying the groundwork for the clinical application of H ₂ S-releasing materials in the future.