miRNA transfection via poly(amidoamine)-based delivery vector prevents hypoxia/reperfusion-induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis

Aim: Myocardial infarction is a tissue injury that leads to apoptosis of cardiomyocytes. This can be prevented by using miRNAs, but its delivery to cardiomyocytes is a major hurdle. We aimed to deliver miRNAs using poly(amidoamine)-histidine (PAMAM-His) nanocarriers to prevent apoptosis. Materials & methods: The PAMAM-His nanoparticles were synthesized and assessed for their transfection efficiency of miRNAs to prevent apoptosis in hypoxia/reperfusion-induced H9c2 as well as primary cultured cardiomyocytes. Results & conclusion: miRNAs-nanoparticle complexes exerted a significant antiapoptotic effect on the H9c2 and primary rat ventricular cardiomyocytes. Enhanced expression of antiapoptotic genes and decreased expression of proapoptotic genes were observed. PAMAM-His nanoparticles effectively delivered miRNAs to the cardiomyocytes and prevented the hypoxia/reperfusion-induced apoptosis critical in myocardial infarctions.