Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is associated with a high incidence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) due to the accumulation of uremic toxins, altered redox state, and chronic systemic inflammation. This study aimed to analyze the relationship between the redox status of patients with CKD and the phenotype of microvesicles (MVs) subtypes, and cardiovascular events. The oxidative stress level of each participant was determined using an individualized OXY-SCORE. The relationship between pro-oxidant and antioxidant parameters and the expression of membrane markers in endothelial-derived microvesicles (EMVs) and platelet-derived microvesicles (PMVs) was established. Patients with advanced CKD (ACKD) and hemodialysis (HD) had a higher OXY-SCORE than healthy subjects (HS), whereas peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients had similar scores to HS. PD patients showed elevated PMVs and CD41 expression, whereas HD patients had higher EMVs and CD31 expression. Patients with ACKD had higher tissue factor (TF) expression in the PMVs and EMVs. TF expression was correlated with xanthine oxidase (XO) activity and was negatively correlated with antioxidant parameters. Patients with cardiovascular events show elevated TF. In conclusion, microvesicles and oxidative stress may serve as markers of cardiovascular risk in CKD, with TF expression in PMVs and EMVs being potential predictive and prognostic biomarkers of CVD.
Background/Objectives: Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) face higher risks of infections, poor vaccine responses, and cardiovascular diseases, leading to increased morbidity and mortality due to immune dysfunction and frailty. This study aims to evaluate immune status and frailty in CKD patients across different treatments, examine the influence of frailty on immune status, and link these factors to mortality. Methods: A total of 174 participants were included (end-stage renal disease, ESRD n = 40; hemodialysis, HD n = 40; peritoneal dialysis, n = 36; kidney transplant patients, n = 40; healthy subjects n = 18). Immunophenotyping of lymphocyte and monocyte subpopulations was performed, and frailty was assessed using the Edmonton Frail Scale. Principal component analysis (PCA) integrated immune and frailty variables to define an “immuno-fragile profile,” and survival was monitored for up to six years. Results: CKD patients, especially those on HD, showed decreased lymphocyte counts and proinflammatory monocyte subpopulations with increased expression of costimulatory molecules (B7.2/CD86 and ICAM-1/CD54). Frailty was most prevalent in HD patients (53%), with notable sex differences. PCA identified three components—lymphocyte counts, monocyte co-stimulatory expression, and frailty—that together explained 70% of the variance. Survival analysis revealed that patients with lower lymphocyte counts and higher frailty scores had increased mortality risk, especially in the HD and ESRD groups. Cox regression confirmed that the immuno-fragile profile independently predicted mortality. Conclusions: The integration of immune alterations and frailty defines an immuno-fragile profile strongly associated with mortality in CKD patients, which may serve as a robust prognostic tool to improve risk stratification and guide personalized interventions in clinical practice.
Aging is a major unmodifiable risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Replicative endothelial senescence (RES), characterized by permanent cell-cycle arrest and a senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP), is a hallmark of vascular aging. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying RES, particularly the role of extracellular vesicles (EVs), remain poorly understood. To this aim, an integrated multi-omics approach (proteomics, mRNA, and miRNA profiling) was applied to characterize senescent and early-passage human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and their secreted EVs. Senescent HUVECs and EVs displayed a canonical senescence profile, including cell-cycle arrest, DDR activation, NF-κB signaling, and SASP induction, alongside marked suppression of RNA metabolism, ribosome biogenesis, and DNA repair. Multi-omics integration has linked endothelial senescence to vascular aging, maladaptive angiogenesis, and ECM remodeling, which are key processes in CVD development. Moreover, senescent EVs propagate senescence by exporting fewer reparative and antioxidant factors while carrying pro-fibrotic, adipogenic, and angiogenic mediators. Multi-omics profiling revealed consistent transcript–protein changes in senescent cells and EVs, defining a robust molecular signature of RES, including endothelial cell-specific markers and post-transcriptional regulators (lncRNAs and miRNAs). Among these, miR-22-3p and miR-126-5p emerged as key modulators in both cells and EVs, with miR-22-3p demonstrating compartment-specific regulation. Integration further uncovered a coordinated regulatory network involving miRNAs (miR-23, miR-335-3p, miR-29 family, miR-590-3p, and miR-126-5p) that were inversely correlated with transcription factors (e.g., REST, KLFs, and ZNFs) and downstream targets, collectively driving endothelial senescence through impaired PI3K–Akt signaling. Although further validation is needed, these findings provide new insights into the molecular mechanisms of RES and open perspectives for modulating secondary senescence and age-related vascular diseases. ### Competing Interest Statement The authors have declared no competing interest. Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII, Spain) and co-funded by the European Union through the European Regional Development Fund (FEDER) and the NextGenerationEU initiative, under the Plan de Recuperación, Transformación y Resiliencia (PRTR), Mecanismo para la Recuperación y la Resiliencia (MRR), through the projects, PI19/00240, PI22/01714, PI23/00140, PI23/00394, FORT23/00046, CD23/00049 RICORS2040, RD21/0005/0002, RD21/0005/0002 “Ayuda de la Línea de Actuación Excelencia para el Profesorado Universitario de la UAH, EPU-INV-UAH/2022/001 Junta de Comunidades de Castilla la Mancha, SBPLY/23/180225/000109 Comunidad de Madrid through the projects INNOREN, P2022/BMD-7221, “P2022/BMD-7223 CIFRA_COR-CM Spanish Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities, PID2020-113812RA-C33 Government of Aragon, PROY\_S12\_24
Chronic kidney disease is closely associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Although kidney transplantation represents the treatment of choice for patients with end-stage chronic kidney disease, it is also linked to significant cardiovascular risk. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between cardiovascular pathology and oxidative status in kidney transplant recipients, while also assessing the influence of disease etiology and humoral immune response on oxidative imbalance. A cross-sectional analysis was conducted in individuals with advanced chronic kidney disease (n = 36) and kidney transplant recipients (n = 40). A total of 18 healthy subjects were included. The enzymatic activities of xanthine oxidase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase, and levels of lipid peroxidation products, oxidized glutathione, and reduced glutathione were measured using spectrophotometry in plasma and mononuclear and polymorphonuclear leukocytes isolated using Ficoll density gradients. Individual oxidative status was evaluated using OXYSCORE. Kidney transplantation was associated with a higher incidence of cardiovascular disease (p < 0.01) and increased levels of both prooxidant (p < 0.01) and antioxidant parameters (p < 0.01). Elevated OXYSCORE values were observed particularly in patients with nephroangiosclerosis, diabetic kidney disease, polycystic kidney disease (p < 0.05), and cardiovascular comorbidities (p < 0.001). Additionally, the presence of anti-graft antibodies correlated with higher oxidative scores. These findings suggest that OXYSCORE may serve as a potential indicator of cardiovascular damage in kidney transplant recipients.
AimsCardiovascular pathology is the main cause of death in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients. CKD is associated with the accumulation of uremic toxins in the bloodstream, and indoxyl sulfate (IS) is one of the most abundant uremic toxins found in the blood of CKD patients. We conducted an in vitro study to assess the mechanisms underlying the IS-induced endothelial dysfunction that could lead to cardiovascular diseases. We also studied their extracellular vesicles (EVs) owing to their capacity to act as messengers that transmit signals through their cargo.Main methodsEVs were characterized by nanoparticle tracking analysis, transmission electron microscopy, flow cytometry, and tetraspanin expression. Cell lysates and isolated EVs were analyzed using liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry, followed by Gene Set Enrichment Analysis to identify the altered pathways.Key findingsProteomic analysis of endothelial cells revealed that IS causes an increase in proteins related to adipogenesis, inflammation, and xenobiotic metabolism and a decrease in proliferation. Extracellular matrix elements, as well as proteins associated with myogenesis, response to UV irradiation, and inflammation, were found to be downregulated in IS-treated EVs. Fatty acid metabolism was also found to be increased along with adipogenesis and inflammation observed in cells.SignificanceThe treatment of endothelial cells with IS increased the expression of proteins related to adipogenesis, inflammation, and xenobiotic metabolism and was less associated with proliferation. Furthermore, EVs from cells treated with IS may mediate endothelial dysfunction, since they present fewer extracellular matrix elements, myogenesis, inflammatory factors, and proteins downregulated in response to UV radiation.
Background: Endothelial nitric oxide synthase (NOS3) elicits atheroprotection by preventing extracellular matrix (ECM) proteolytic degradation through inhibition of extracellular matrix metalloproteinase inducer (EMMPRIN) and collagenase MMP-13 by still unknown mechanisms. Methods: C57BL/6 mice lacking ApoE, NOS3, and/or MMP13 were fed with a high-fat diet for 6 weeks. Entire aortas were extracted and frozen to analyze protein and nucleic acid expression. Atherosclerotic plaques were detected by ultrasound imaging, Oil Red O (ORO) staining, and Western Blot. RNA-seq and RT-qPCR were performed to evaluate EMMPRIN, MMP-9, and EMMPRIN-targeting miRNAs. Mouse aortic endothelial cells (MAEC) were incubated to assess the role of active MMP-13 over MMP-9. One-way ANOVA or Kruskal-Wallis tests were performed to determine statistical differences. Results: Lack of NOS3 in ApoE null mice fed with a high-fat diet increased severe plaque accumulation, vessel wall widening, and high mortality, along with EMMPRIN-induced expression by upregulation of miRNAs 46a-5p and 486-5p. However, knocking out MMP-13 in ApoE/NOS3-deficient mice was sufficient to prevent mortality (66.6 vs. 26.6%), plaque progression (23.1 vs. 8.8%), and MMP-9 expression, as confirmed in murine aortic endothelial cell (MAEC) cultures, in which MMP-9 was upregulated by incubation with active recombinant MMP-13, suggesting MMP-9 as a new target of MMP-13 in atherosclerosis. Conclusion: We describe a novel mechanism by which the absence of NOS3 may worsen atherosclerosis through EMMPRIN-induced ECM proteolytic degradation by targeting the expression of miRNAs 146a-5p and 485-5p. Focusing on NOS3 regulation of ECM degradation could be a promising approach in the management of atherosclerosis.
Numerous cardioprotective interventions have been reported to reduce myocardial infarct size (IS) in pre-clinical studies. However, their translation for the benefit of patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) has been largely disappointing. One reason for the lack of translation is the lack of rigor and reproducibility in pre-clinical studies. To address this, we have established the European IMproving Preclinical Assessment of Cardioprotective Therapies (IMPACT) pig AMI network with centralized randomization and blinded core laboratory IS analysis and validated the network with ischemic preconditioning (IPC) as a positive control. Ten sites in the COST Innovators Grant (IG16225) network participated in the IMPACT network. Three sites were excluded from the final analysis through quality control of infarct images and use of pre-defined exclusion criteria. Using a centrally generated randomization list, pigs were allocated to myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (I/R, N = 5/site) or IPC + I/R (N = 5/site). The primary endpoint was IS [
ABSTRACT Background Endothelial damage and cardiovascular disease complicate chronic kidney disease (CKD). The increased atherogenicity observed in patients with CKD can be linked to microinflammation and endothelial damage. Circulating endothelial glycocalyx degradation products, such as perlecan and decorin, tend to be elevated in CKD. We aimed to explore the association between the plasma perlecan and decorin levels and this pro-inflammatory and atherogenic state by studying monocyte subpopulations and intracellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1 expression in patients with CKD. Methods We studied 17 healthy controls, 23 patients with advanced CKD, 25 patients on haemodialysis, 23 patients on peritoneal dialysis and 20 patients who underwent kidney transplantation. Perlecan and decorin levels were evaluated using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, and the monocyte phenotype was analysed using direct immunofluorescence and flow cytometry. Results The plasma perlecan levels were higher in patients with CKD than in the healthy controls. These levels were associated with a higher prevalence of ICAM-1+ monocytes. Conversely, patients with advanced CKD (pre-dialysis) had higher plasma decorin levels, which were associated with a reduced ICAM-1 expression per monocyte. Conclusions Elevated perlecan levels in CKD may be associated with a higher prevalence of ICAM-1+ monocytes and a pro-inflammatory phenotype. Elevated decorin levels may act as a negative regulator of ICAM-1 expression in monocytes. Therefore, perlecan and decorin may be related to inflammation and monocyte activation in CKD and may act as potential markers of endothelial damage.
Introduction: Adverse cardiac remodeling following acute myocardial infarction (AMI) depends on how promptly the phagocytic-nuclear system responds. Among strategies to limit the inflammatory response, we have developed a nanoparticle (NIL10) which binds to IL-10 receptor (IL-10R) in-vitro and promotes macrophage polarization towards a resolutive phenotype in animal models of myocardial ischemia-reperfusion (I/R). However, its therapeutic use still depends on understanding its ability to regulate monocyte recruitment. Hypothesis: Targeting the IL-10R in circulating monocytes may represent a new therapeutic approach to improve cardiac function in patients undergoing AMI. Objective: To explore the molecular mechanisms leading to the inhibition of monocyte recruitment by NIL10 in pigs undergoing cardiac I/R. Methods: By using a porcine model of myocardial I/R, we arranged the following groups: (1) control group (2) intravenous administration (IV) 1 mg/kg NIL10, (3) IV of 4x10 5 isolated monocytes from group 2, (4) IV of 4x10 5 isolated monocytes from group 1 and then incubated with NIL10 (A). Results: Groups 2-4 exhibited better cardiac function compared to group 1 (B), which resulted in a decrease in myocardial fibrosis (C), along with a reduction of circulating CCR2+ monocytes (D) and a decrease in classical-monocyte infiltration, as shown by a reduction of CCR2+ macrophages in the necrotic area of the heart (E). As a result, CCL2 plasma expression, a functional ligand of CCR2, was decreased by day 7 post-I/R (F) in contrast to the necrotic tissue expression profile in which we detected large amounts of CCL2 (G) and STAT3 activation, indicative of IL10R activity (H). Conclusion: In addition to macrophage polarization, NIL10 induces cardiac protection by limiting classical monocyte infiltration after myocardial I/R, which opens a new window for using, in combination with endogenous monocyte therapy, to treat AMI.
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a pathology with a high worldwide incidence and an upward trend affecting the elderly. When CKD is very advanced, the use of renal replacement therapies is required to prolong its life (dialysis or kidney transplantation). Although dialysis improves many complications of CKD, the disease does not reverse completely. These patients present an increase in oxidative stress, chronic inflammation and the release of extracellular vesicles (EVs), which cause endothelial damage and the development of different cardiovascular diseases (CVD). CKD patients develop premature diseases associated with advanced age, such as CVD. EVs play an essential role in developing CVD in patients with CKD since their number increases in plasma and their content is modified. The EVs of patients with CKD cause endothelial dysfunction, senescence and vascular calcification. In addition, miRNAs free or transported in EVs together with other components carried in these EVs promote endothelial dysfunction, thrombotic and vascular calcification in CKD, among other effects. This review describes the classic factors and focuses on the role of new mechanisms involved in the development of CVD associated with CKD, emphasizing the role of EVs in the development of cardiovascular pathologies in the context of CKD. Moreover, the review summarized the EVs' role as diagnostic and therapeutic tools, acting on EV release or content to avoid the development of CVD in CKD patients.
Abstract Frailty is a highly prevalent syndrome inpatients with advanced age and chronic diseases, and it is associated with atherothrombotic pathologies, suggesting a procoagulant state in these patients. Circulating microvesicles (cMVs), are small phospholipid-rich vesicles, which have been shown to participate in atherothrombotic onset and progression. We aim to analyze frailty in patients with advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD), and to determine the role of microvesicles in this population. We conducted a prospective cohort study with 85 patients with advanced CKD. Fried's five criteria were used to define frailty. We obtained blood for cMVs analysis by flow cytometry. There was a follow-up time of 27 months during which dialysis initiation and mortality was assessed. The prevalence of frailty in patients with advanced CKD was 27%. We found that risk factors for frailty were age, type 2 diabetes mellitus and anemia. Total cMVs, platelet derived cMVs and endothelial derived cMVs were significantly higher in frail patients. CD142 (platelet tissue factor), a procoagulant marker, was also significantly higher in frail patients. Although we still do not know in depth the mechanisms involved in frailty, to our knowledge this is the first study that links cMVs and frailty in patients with advanced CKD, suggesting this could be a good biomarker or therapeutic target in advanced CKD.
BACKGROUND:Diabetes mellitus (DM) is one of the largest global health emergencies of the 21st century. In recent years, its connection with environmental pollutants, such as bisphenol A (BPA), has been demonstrated; consequently, new structurally similar molecules are used to replace BPA in the plastics industry (BPS, BPF and BPAF). AIM:To carry out a systematic review to allow coherent evaluation of the state of the art. Subsequently, a meta-analysis was performed to unify the existing quantitative data. METHODS:Firstly, a systematic review was carried out, using the terms "(bisphenol) AND (Diabetes OR Hyperglycemia)", to maximize the number of results. Subsequently, three authors analyzed the set of articles. Finally, a meta-analysis was performed for each BP, using RevMan software. In addition, funnel plots were developed to study publication bias. RESULTS:The systematic analysis of the literature revealed 13 recent articles (2017-2023) related to the study paradigm. The qualitative analysis showed interesting data linking diabetes to the three most widely used substitute BPs in the industry: BPS, BPF and BPAF. Finally, the meta-analysis determined a positive relationship with BPS, BPF and BPAF, which was only statistically significant with BPS. CONCLUSION:There is a need to apply the precautionary principle, regulating the use of new BPs. Therefore, replacing BPA with BPS, BPF or BPAF is unlikely to protect the population from potential health risks, such as DM.
La enfermedad renal crónica (ERC) tiene una alta incidencia mundial y una tendencia ascendente que afecta principalmente a personas de edad avanzada. Cuando la ERC está muy avanzada se requiere el uso de terapias renales sustitutivas para prolongar la vida (diálisis o trasplante renal) y, pese a que la diálisis mejora muchas complicaciones de la ERC, la enfermedad no revierte de manera completa. Estos pacientes presentan un aumento del estrés oxidativo, inflamación crónica y aumento de la liberación de vesículas extracelulares (VE), que provocan daño endotelial y el desarrollo de distintas enfermedades cardiovasculares (ECV). De hecho, los pacientes con ERC desarrollan de forma prematura enfermedades asociadas a una edad avanzada, como es el caso de las ECV. Las VE desempeñan un papel muy importante en el desarrollo de ECV en pacientes con ERC, ya que su número aumenta en el plasma y su contenido se modifica. Las VE de pacientes con ERC generan disfunción endotelial, senescencia y calcificación vascular. Además, los miRNA libres o transportados en las VE junto a otros componentes vehiculados en estas VE promueven disfunción endotelial, eventos trombóticos y calcificación vascular en los pacientes con ERC, entre otros efectos. En esta revisión se describen los factores clásicos y el papel de nuevos mecanismos que intervienen en el desarrollo de la ECV asociada a la ERC, con especial hincapié en el papel de las VE en el desarrollo de enfermedades cardiovasculares en un contexto de ERC. Además, se expone el papel de las VE como herramienta diagnóstica y como diana terapéutica, actuando sobre su liberación o contenido para intentar evitar el desarrollo de ECV en enfermos renales crónicos.
Abstract Background and Aims Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD). CVD is in turn related to endothelial dysfunction, endothelial dysfunction, and degradation of the endothelial glycocalyx (EG), releasing its components into the bloodstream. The EG consists of glycosaminoglycans and proteoglycans, such as Perlecan. The aim of the study is to analyse the levels of perlecan in plasma in different stages of CKD, and to relate them to age and inflammatory monocytes, as well as their adhesion capacity (CD54/ICAM-1). Method An observational cross-sectional study was carried out. 56 patients were included: advanced chronic kidney disease (ACKD) (n=13), haemodialysis (HD) (n=13), peritoneal dialysis (PD) (n=15) and transplant recipients (TX) (n=15). Thirteen healthy subjects (CT) were analysed. Plasma perlecan levels were quantified using ELISA and phenotyping of monocyte subpopulations (classical (CD14++CD16-), intermediate (CD14+CD16+) and non-classical (CD14+CD16++)), as well as CD54 (ICAM-1) expression by flow cytometry. Statistical analysis: ANOVA and Spearman correlation. Results Patients with CKD had higher plasma levels of perlecan than healthy participants (p-value = 0.044 vs ACKD, 0.028 vs HD and 0.002 vs PD) (Fig. 1). These levels were associated with higher percentage of classical monocytes (p=0,011) intermediate monocytes (p=0,009) and non-classical monocytes (p=0,003) expressing ICAM-1 but not with a higher expression of ICAM-1 per monocyte. Perlecan levels correlate negatively with age (p=0,03) (Table 1). Conclusion Patients with ACKD, HD and PD have elevated plasma perlecan levels compared to CT and TX. Elevated perlecan concentrations are associated with increased ICAM-1 expression on monocytes, which is important for its possible role in the development of atherosclerosis. Perlecan may be postulated as a molecule of interest to assess endothelial and cardiovascular damage in CKD patients.
Abstract Rationale: Early response after acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is crucial to prevent extensive cardiac necrosis. Interleukin-10 (IL-10) is a key antiinflammatory cytokine, whose expression is closely associated with macrophage polarization towards inflammation resolution. Results: We synthesized NIL10, a micelle-based nanoparticle conjugated to IT9302, a peptide homologue to IL-10 functional domain, with the aim of targeting IL-10 receptor in mice and pigs subjected to AMI. Intravenous administration of 1 mg/kg NIL10 improved the cardiac function of mice and pigs subjected to AMI, as shown by a significant recovery of the left ventricle ejection fraction (LVEF) by days 3 and 7 after AMI, when compared to the levels found in animals injected with NIL10SC, a nanoparticle conjugated with the peptide in a scrambled orientation, in which inflammatory foci and fibrosis were strongly elevated. In IL-10 null mice subjected to AMI, NIL10 also improved heart contractility, while in IL10 receptor deficient animals, NIL10 had no effect. To test whether NIL10 may induce macrophage polarization, M2 macrophage populations were increased after day 3 of reperfusion, in which anti-inflammatory cytokines, including IL4, IL7, IL10, IL13, IL16 and IL27 were also elevated in mice and pigs injected with NIL10. Mechanistically, NIL10 induced activation of the IL-10 receptor/STAT-3 signaling pathway, and STAT3-dependent inhibition of pro-inflammatory NF-kB transcription factor nuclear translocation, as evidenced by inhibition of nuclear p65 in macrophages stimulated with 500 mM LPS in response to incubation with NIL10, and prevented by co-incubation with the STAT-3 pharmacological inhibitor STATTIC, as also evidenced by testing the NF-kB -dependent readout iNOS gene expression with same results. Conclusions: Our findings propose NIL10 nanoparticles as a novel compound to improve cardiac function after myocardial infarction, to preventing cardiac necrosis by inducing polarization toward M2-resolving macrophages, through inhibition of STAT3-induced nuclear translocation of NF-kB.
(1) Background: Early response after acute myocardial infarction (AMI) prevents extensive cardiac necrosis, in which inflammation resolution, including expression of anti-inflammatory interleukin-10 (IL-10), may play a key role. (2) Methods: We synthesized NIL10, a micelle-based nanoparticle, to target IL-10 receptor in mice and pigs subjected to AMI. (3) Results: Administration of NIL10 induced cardiac protection of wild-type and IL-10 knockout mice and pigs subjected to AMI. Cardiac protection was not induced in IL-10-receptor null mice, as shown by a significant recovery of cardiac function, in which inflammatory foci and fibrosis were strongly reduced, together with the finding that resolving M2-like macrophage populations were increased after day 3 of reperfusion. In addition, anti-inflammatory cytokines, including IL-4, IL-7, IL-10, IL-13, IL-16, and IL-27 were also elevated. Mechanistically, NIL10 induced activation of the IL-10 receptor/STAT-3 signaling pathway, and STAT3-dependent inhibition of nuclear translocation of pro-inflammatory NF-ĸB transcription factor. (4) Conclusions: Taken together, we propose using NIL10 as a novel therapeutic tool against AMI-induced cardiac damage.
Introduction: Interleukin-10 (IL-10) has long been recognized as a key anti-inflammatory cytokine, whose expression is associated to macrophage polarization towards resolution after acute myocardial infarction. Hypothesis: Targeting the IL10 receptor (IL10R) in patients undergoing AMI, may represent a new strategy to improve cardiac function. Methods and Results: We synthesized NIL10, a micelle-based nanoparticle conjugated to an IL-10 agonist, to analyze the effect on cardiac function and inflammation resolution after cardiac ischemia/reperfusion. After confirmation of NIL10 (conjugated with Rhodamine) co-localization to IL-10R, as detected by immunohistofluorescence (Fig. 1A), intravenous administration of 1 mg/kg NIL10 in mice and pigs subjected to AMI, efficiently decreased left ventricle fibrosis and significantly improved left ventricle ejection fraction (LVEF), by day 7 after injection, when compared to animals injected with, NIL10SC, a nanoparticle control (Fig. 1B-C). As expected, NIL10 induced macrophage polarization towards M2-like macrophages after day 3 of reperfusion (Fig D), by at least promoting IL-10R activity, as shown by increased phosphorylation of IL-10R and the downstream STAT3 in the necrotic area of the heart (Figure 1E). STAT3-dependent inflammation inhibition was assayed by administration of 50μM NIL10 in RAW-247 cells stimulated with 500 μM LPS, in which nuclear translocation of NF-κB was significantly reduced (Fig. 1E) by at least phosphorylation of I-κB-α. Conclusions: Our findings show NIL10 as a new tool to improve cardiac function in hearts under AMI, at least through inhibition of STAT3-induced nuclear translocation of NF-κB.