A National Cheng Kung University (NCKU) research team has made a breakthrough in the regeneration of new blood vessels in cardiovascular therapy by using nanofibers and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF).
“a good professor dedicated to scientific research that is beneficial to society.”
The new technology helps endogenous stem cells achieve cardiac and vascular regeneration, and is seen as a promising cure for heart diseases.
The study, led by Patrick C. H. Hsieh, associate professor and cardiac surgeon at NCKU, sheds light on cardiovascular therapy by providing a new strategy for cardiovascular repair.
NCKU President Hwung-Hweng Hwung said lauded the team's contribution, saying Hsieh is "a good professor dedicated to scientific research that is beneficial to society."
The university will help the team carry out technology transfer in the hope that the novel treatment will be available for people with heart diseases, said Hwung.
The study combines tissue engineering, nanotechnology and controlled protein delivery to induce endogenous stem cells to improve cardiac function.
The therapy with VEGF, a key factor for vascular genesis, is one of the alternative methods used to treat cardiovascular diseases. However, the method hasn't worked well, according to Dr. Hsieh.
"The combination of nanomaterial with VEGF works well for the nanofibers to create a favorable microenvironment in the heart for recruiting stem cells," said Dr. Hsieh.
The experiments, done in rats and pigs, led to the growth of fresh blood vessels and improved heart function without harmful side effects, according to Dr. Hsieh.