Journal Article

Efficacy and Safety Evaluation of Tacrolimus-Eluting Stent in a Porcine Coronary Artery Model

Jin, Yu Jeong, Hong, Young Joon, Na, Mi Hyang, Hyun, Dae Young, Lim, Kyung Seob, Kim, Jeong Ha, Kee, Hae Jin, Kim, Jeong Hun, Jeong, Myung Ho, Sim, Doo Sun, Park, Dae Sung, Cho, Kyung Hoon, Byeon, Dae-Heung, Kim, Mun Ki, Oh, Seok

2024

Overview

Background: A drug-eluting stent (DES) is a highly beneficial medical device used to widen or unblock narrowed blood vessels. However, the drugs released by the implantation of DES may hinder the re-endothelialization process, increasing the risk of late thrombosis. We have developed a tacrolimus-eluting stent (TES) that as acts as a potent antiproliferative and immunosuppressive agent, enhancing endothelial regeneration. In addition, we assessed the safety and efficacy of TES through both in vitro and in vivo tests. Methods: Tacrolimus and Poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) were applied to the metal stent using electrospinning equipment. The surface morphology of the stent was examined before and after coating using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and energy dispersive X-rays (EDX). The drug release test was conducted through high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Cell proliferation and migration assays were performed using smooth muscle cells (SMC). The stent was then inserted into the porcine coronary artery and monitored for a duration of 4 weeks. Results: SEM analysis confirmed that the coating surface was uniform. Furthermore, EDX analysis showed that the surface was coated with both polymer and drug components. The HPCL analysis of TCL at a wavelength of 215 nm revealed that the drug was continuously released over a period of 4 weeks. Smooth muscle cell migration was significantly decreased in the tacrolimus group (54.1% ± 11.90%) compared to the non-treated group (90.1% ± 4.86%). In animal experiments, the stenosis rate was significantly reduced in the TES group (29.6% ± 7.93%) compared to the bare metal stent group (41.3% ± 10.18%). Additionally, the fibrin score was found to be lower in the TES group compared to the group treated with a sirolimus-eluting stent (SES). Conclusion: Similar to SES, TES reduces neointimal proliferation in a porcine coronary artery model, specifically decreasing the fibrins score. Therefore, tacrolimus could be considered a promising drug for reducing restenosis and thrombosis.

• Publisher: Springer Nature Singapore,Springer Nature B.V,한국조직공학과 재생의학회
• Subject: Angioplasty / Biomedical and Life Sciences / Biomedical Engineering and Bioengineering / Blood vessels / Cardiovascular disease / Cell Biology / Cell growth / Cell migration / Cell proliferation / Coatings / Coronary artery / Coronary vessels / Drug delivery / Electron microscopes / Endothelium / Fibrin / Glycolic acid / Heart surgery / High-performance liquid chromatography / Immunosuppressive agents / Implants / Life Sciences / Original / Original Article / Polylactide-co-glycolide / Protective coatings / Rapamycin / Regenerative Medicine/Tissue Engineering / Restenosis / Scanning electron microscopy / Smooth muscle / Stem Cells / Stents / Tacrolimus / Thrombosis / 의공학