New strategies for cardiac repair using polymer-based drug delivery systems loaded with growth factors

Abstract

Myocardial infarction (MI) is the main cardiovascular disease, causing more than 7 million deaths per year 1. In spite of its clinical relevance 2,3, this pathology is from been controlled and risk factors associated to it are considerably augmenting in modern society, as pointed out by the World Health Organization, which has estimated that the number of MI events will dramatically increase by 2030 1. MI is usually started by the occlusion of a coronary artery, that causes an ischemic condition in the cardiac tissue. This lack of oxygen supply induces a massive cell death of cardiac cells and a negative tissue remodeling takes place. Consequently, functional limitations and eventually death may occur.