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 (H₂S) is a gasotransmitter involved in various physiological and pathological processes. Exogenous supplementation of H₂S is significantly beneficial for the treatment of MI. In this study, a novel H₂S donor–zinc sulfide nanoparticles templated by hyaluronic acid (HA@ZnS NPs), has been developed through a biomimetic mineralization process for the treatment of MI. HA@ZnS NPs can stably release H₂S 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 H₂S release, providing valuable insights into new therapies for MI and laying the groundwork for the clinical application of H₂S-releasing materials in the future.