The study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic effect of nilotinib-loaded biocompatible gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) microneedles patch on cardiac dysfunction after myocardial infarction(MI), and provide a new clinical perspective of myocardial fibrosis therapies. The GelMA microneedles patches were attached to the epicardial surface of the infarct and peri-infarct zone in order to deliver the anti-fibrosis drug nilotinib on the 10th day after MI, when the scar had matured. Cardiac function and left ventricular remodeling were assessed by such as echocardiography, BNP (brain natriuretic peptide) and the heart weight/body weight ratio (HW/BW). Myocardial hypertrophy and fibrosis were examined by WGA (wheat germ agglutinin) staining, HE (hematoxylin-eosin staining) staining and Sirius Red staining. The results showed that the nilotinib-loaded microneedles patch could effectively attenuate fibrosis expansion in the peri-infarct zone and myocardial hypertrophy, prevent adverse ventricular remodeling and finally improve cardiac function. This treatment strategy is a beneficial attempt to correct the cardiac dysfunction after myocardial infarction, which is expected to become a new strategy to correct the cardiac dysfunction after MI. This is of great clinical significance for improving the long-term prognosis of MI patients.
The pathological state of "epileptic heart" induced by epilepsy has shattered the perception that epilepsy is an isolated neurological disorder, reflecting the synergistic damage between chronic epilepsy and cardiac bioelectrical activity as well as mechanical function. Autonomic nervous system dysfunction is the core mediating link, which regulates the expression of myocardial ion channels and induces risks such as arrhythmias. In the long term, it also drives structural remodeling and functional impairment including left atrial enlargement and myocardial fibrosis. This kind of damage is influenced by factors such as classification of epilepsy, disease duration, and antiepileptic drugs—for instance, patients with drug resistant epilepsy or those on long-term polypharmacy suffer more significant damage. This article systematically reviews recent research progress, summarizes consensus and controversies, provides a basis for the precision management of cardiovascular risks in epilepsy patients, and contributes to reducing the incidence of SUDEP and improving long-term quality of life.