Hydrogel as a therapeutic vehicle in cardiomyocyte regeneration after acute myocardial infarction: an integrative review

Abstract

Introduction: Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is one of the main causes of death in the world with a costly impact on the healthcare system. Although there are several therapeutic strategies currently available, complete cure is still a challenge, due to the limited regeneration of cardiomyocytes. Hydrogel appears as a promising biomaterial for cardiac regeneration. Objective: To analyze the role of hydrogel as a therapeutic vehicle in cardiac regeneration. Methodology: The research consisted of an integrative review of the literature, the method included the elaboration of a guiding question, the search and sampling in the literature through the PubMed and LILACS databases, data collection, critical analysis of the included studies, the discussion of the results and the presentation of the integrative review. Specific descriptors were used for the search, following the recommended steps for preparing an integrative review. Conclusion: The results obtained highlight the promising therapeutic efficacy of hydrogels in cardiac regeneration. Several studies have shown that this biomaterial can simulate the cardiac cellular environment, serve as a delivery vehicle for other therapies, in addition to the possibility of changing its structure and adding greater benefits in its hybrid form, contributing to the therapy of post-ischemia regeneration.