Title:Nanocarriers Loaded with Oxygen to Improve the Protection of the Heart to be
Transplanted
Volume: 28
Issue: 6
Author(s): Claudia Penna*, Francesco Trotta, Roberta Cavalli and Pasquale Pagliaro*
Affiliation:
- Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Turin, 10043 Turin, Italy
- Istituto Nazionale Ricerche Cardiovascolari,
40126 Bologna, Italy
- Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Turin, 10043 Turin, Italy
- Istituto Nazionale Ricerche Cardiovascolari,
40126 Bologna, Italy
Keywords:
α-cyclodextrin, α-cyclodextrin nanosponges, cyclic nigerosyl-nigerose, oxygen, hypoxia, reoxygenation, organ transplantation, nanocarriers.
Abstract: In the case of serious cardiovascular diseases, such as refractory heart failure, heart transplantation is
the only possible intervention. Currently, the modes of organ transport in hypothermic cardioplegic solution do
not allow the implantation of the heart beyond 4-5 hours from the explant. The heart being an organ with a
greater consumption of oxygen and high metabolism than the brain, its transport in hypothermic cardioplegic solutions
presents critical issues in terms of time and conservation. An ambitious goal of many researchers and
clinicians is to minimize the hypoxia of the explanted heart and extend the permanence time in cardioplegic solution
without damage from hypoxia. Adequately oxygenating the explanted organs may extend the usability
time of the explanted organ. This challenge has been pursued for years with approaches that are often expensive,
risky, and/or difficult to use. We propose to consider oxygenated nanocarriers releasing oxygen for a long
time. In this way, it will also be possible to use organs from distant countries with respect to the recipient, thus
exceeding the canonical 4-5 hours tolerated up to now. In addition to the lack of oxygen, the transplanted organ
can undergo the accumulation of catabolites due to the lack of perfusion during transport. Therefore, nanocarriers
can also be perfused in adequate solution during organ transportation. A better oxygenation improving the
postoperative recovery of the transplanted heart will improve the recipient's quality of life.
