Cyanobacteria for Cardiomyocyte Protection against miocardial ischemia injury

Objective: To perform a systematic review on using Cyanobacteria for protecting the cardiac tissue against damage caused by ischemia.Methods: this review encompasses in vitro and controlled animal experimental studies.Results: the results show that in general there are two types of interventions for treatment of ischemia and Ischemia/Reperfusion (IR) in cardiac tissue: (1) extracts treatments and (2) injection of Cyanobacteria in the damaged tissues. Extract treatments are based on the antioxidant potential of Cyanobacteria, and the studies focus mainly on Spirulina (Arthrospira platensis). The direct injection methods are based on the high capacity of these organisms to release oxygen during photosynthesis. Synechococcus elongatus is the Cyanobacteria species most commonly utilized in injections, either delivered independently or carried by hydrogels or nanoparticles. The direct Cyanobacteria injections are innovative techniques which can promote protection against apoptosis and have shown promising results, however, further research is necessary to refine the techniques and improve overall efficacy.Conclusion: the effects of these treatments were beneficial considering that the antioxidant effects of Cyanobacteria ameliorate blood biochemical markers and reduce damaged cardiac areas. The oxygen releasing of Cyanobacteria in the cardiac tissue also promoted recovery of cardiac tissue after ischemia or IR.