The sustained PGE release matrix improves neovascularization and skeletal muscle regeneration in a hindlimb ischemia model.

Background: The promising therapeutic strategy for the treatment of peripheral artery disease (PAD) is to restore blood supply and promote regeneration of skeletal muscle regeneration. Increasing evidence revealed that prostaglandin E (PGE), a lipid signaling molecule, has significant therapeutic potential for tissue repair and regeneration. Though PGE has been well reported in tissue regeneration, the application of PGE is hampered by its short half-life in vivo and the lack of a viable system for sustained release of PGE.

Results: In this study, we designed and synthesized a new PGE release matrix by chemically bonding PGE to collagen. Our results revealed that the PGE matrix effectively extends the half-life of PGE in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, the PGE matrix markedly improved neovascularization by increasing angiogenesis, as confirmed by bioluminescence imaging (BLI). Furthermore, the PGE matrix exhibits superior therapeutic efficacy in the hindlimb ischemia model through the activation of MyoD1-mediated muscle stem cells, which is consistent with accelerated structural recovery of skeletal muscle, as evidenced by histological analysis.

Conclusions: Our findings highlight the chemical bonding strategy of chemical bonding PGE to collagen for sustained release and may facilitate the development of PGE-based therapies to significantly improve tissue regeneration.