Replication Data for: PEGylated ZIF-8 nanoparticles for enhanced delivery of astragaloside IV alleviates heart failure

Synthesis and characterization: Preparation of PEG/ZIF-8@AS NPs (and bare ZIF-8 for comparison) via a room-temperature aqueous-methanolic co-precipitation method, followed by detailed physicochemical characterization using TEM (morphology), XRD (crystallinity), FTIR (chemical structure), dynamic light scattering (particle size and ζ-potential), and stability testing in biological media. Drug loading and release: Quantification of Astragaloside IV encapsulation efficiency by HPLC and assessment of pH-dependent in vitro drug release profiles (pH 5.5 and 7.4) using dynamic dialysis in FBS-containing PBS. In vitro efficacy and biocompatibility: Establishment of an Angiotensin II-induced HF model in H9c2 cardiomyocytes, determination of non-cytotoxic concentrations via CCK-8 assay, and evaluation of PEG/ZIF-8@AS NPs’ ability to reduce HF-associated markers (BNP, ANP, β-MHC) by Western blotting and RT-qPCR, as well as cytoskeletal preservation by immunofluorescence. In vivo therapeutic evaluation: Induction of chronic HF in mice via transverse aortic constriction (TAC), followed by intravenous administration of PEG/ZIF-8@AS NPs (or controls) every 7 days for 3 weeks. Cardiac function was assessed by M-mode echocardiography (EF, FS, LVIDd/s), serum cardiac injury biomarkers (CK, LDH, HBDH, AST), heart-to-body weight ratio, histopathology (HE and Masson’s staining), apoptosis (TUNEL), and angiogenesis (CD31 IHC). Biocompatibility assessment: In vitro hemolysis assay using mouse erythrocytes and in vivo evaluation of major organ (heart, liver, spleen, lung, kidney) histopathology via HE and Masson’s staining after repeated dosing.