journal article·2026-07-13Open access

Microenvironment‐Responsive Nanomedicine Enables Vertical Modulation of Mitochondrial Pathological Networks in Myocardial Ischemia–Reperfusion Injury

Jue Wang, Jia Zhou, Wenqin Yuan, Tianjiao Zhao, Yunying Huang, Yingci Xia, Yuting Lin, Fei Li, Qiong Huang, Chong Liu, Kelong Ai, Qun Qin

Abstract

ABSTRACT Myocardial ischemia–reperfusion injury (MIRI) is a severe and largely unavoidable complication of reperfusion therapy and remains a major determinant of poor outcomes after acute myocardial infarction. Here, we developed a mitochondria‐targeted, ischemic microenvironment–responsive nanotherapeutic, termed Berberine/Isoliensinine‐loaded Melanin Nanocomposite (BIM), by co‐encapsulating the anti‐inflammatory agent berberine (BBR) and the anti‐apoptotic agent isoliensinine (ILS) within a melanin capsule with a controllable channel (MCC). Owing to its appropriate size, negative surface charge, and dual responsiveness to acidic pH and reactive oxygen species, BIM preferentially accumulates in injured myocardium and targets damaged mitochondria, enabling precise drug release at the pathological core. Through a structured pharmacological design, MCC scavenges mitochondrial reactive oxygen species, BBR suppresses inflammatory signaling, and ILS inhibits intrinsic apoptosis, together achieving vertical modulation of mitochondrial pathological networks. Consequently, BIM attenuates oxidative stress, limits inflammatory amplification, reduces cardiomyocyte apoptosis, and markedly decreases infarct size. These findings establish mitochondria‐centered vertical network modulation as a precise therapeutic strategy for MIRI.
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Research context

OpenAlex topics: Cardiac Ischemia and Reperfusion · Berberine and alkaloids research · Mitochondrial Function and Pathology

SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.

Affiliations

Department of Pharmacy, Xiangya Hospital Central South University Changsha China

Xiangya School of Pharmaceutical Sciences Central South University Changsha China

Hunan Province International Science and Technology Innovation Cooperation Base for Early Clinical Trials of Biological Agents, Xiangya Hospital Central South University Changsha China

Department of Pharmacy Yizhang County People's Hospital Chenzhou Hunan China

National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital Central South University Changsha China

Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Research, Xiangya School of Pharmaceutical Sciences Central South University Changsha China

Key Laboratory of Aging‐related Bone and Joint Diseases Prevention and Treatment, Ministry of Education, Xiangya Hospital Central South University Changsha China

Funding

National Natural Science Foundation of China

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