Researchers have developed an innovative injectable hydrogel derived from fish swim bladders, offering a promising new strategy for repairing damaged heart tissue. The findings, published in Advanced Science, open new possibilities for regenerative medicine, especially in treating heart failure caused by ischemic events.
Fish Swim Bladders Inspire Cardiac Healing
Fish swim bladders—organs that help fish maintain buoyancy—are rich in collagen, glycosaminoglycans, and elastin. These components closely resemble the structural proteins found in human heart tissue. By using these natural materials, scientists created a bioactive hydrogel that mimics the heart’s extracellular environment.
Enhancing Heart Tissue Regeneration
The hydrogel demonstrated multiple therapeutic effects in both laboratory-grown heart cells and a rat model of ischemic heart failure. It:
- Boosted cardiac cell adhesion and stretching
- Promoted the formation of new blood vessels
- Encouraged immune cells to reduce inflammation
- Provided sustained mechanical support to aid heart contractions
According to MedicalXpress, the hydrogel supports damaged heart tissue and helps restore its function.
A Step Forward in Myocardial Repair
Lead author Dr. Zhihong Wang of Nankai University in China emphasized the significance of this breakthrough. “The irreversible loss of cardiomyocytes—or heart muscle cells—after ischemic injury highlights the urgent need for regenerative therapies,” he said.
“By harnessing the unique bioactivity of fish swim bladder–derived biomaterials, we’ve enhanced hydrogel performance and opened a new path for restoring cardiac function,” Wang added. “This approach could help overcome current limitations in heart failure treatment.”