A Novel Alginate-Based Delivery System for the Prevention and Treatment of Pressure-Overload Induced Heart Failure.

α-CGRP (alpha-calcitonin gene related peptide) is a cardioprotective neuropeptide. Our recent study demonstrated that the administration of native α-CGRP, using osmotic mini-pumps, protected against transverse aortic constriction (TAC) pressure-induced heart failure in mice. However, the short half-life of peptides and the non-applicability of osmotic pumps in humans limits the use of α-CGRP as a therapeutic agent for heart failure (HF).

Encapsulated Cell Technology for the Delivery of Biologics to the Mouse Eye.

Many current therapeutics under development for diseases of the posterior pole of the eye are biologics. These drugs need to be administered frequently, typically via intravitreal injections. Encapsulated cells expressing the biologic of choice are becoming a tool for local protein production and release (e.

Encapsulated Cell Technology-Based Delivery of a Complement Inhibitor Reduces Choroidal Neovascularization in a Mouse Model.

Purpose: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a slowly progressing disease, and risk appears to be tied to an overactive complement system. We have previously demonstrated that mouse choroidal neovascularization (CNV) and smoke-induced ocular pathology can be reduced with an alternative pathway (AP) inhibitor fusion protein consisting of a complement receptor-2 fragment linked to the inhibitory domain of factor H (CR2-fH) when delivered systemically. Here we developed an experimental approach with genetically engineered encapsulated ARPE-19 cells to produce CR2-fH intravitreally.

Removing vessel constriction on the embryonic heart results in changes in valve gene expression, morphology, and hemodynamics.

Background: The formation of healthy heart valves throughout embryonic development is dependent on both genetic and epigenetic factors. Hemodynamic stimuli are important epigenetic regulators of valvulogenesis, but the resultant molecular pathways that control valve development are poorly understood. Here we describe how the heart and valves recover from the removal of a partial constriction (banding) of the OFT/ventricle junction (OVJ) that temporarily alters blood flow velocity through the embryonic chicken heart (HH stage 16/17).