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Published on: November 17, 2017
Hyaluronic acid nanoparticles for active targeting atherosclerosis
Ga Young Lee1, Jong-Ho Kim2, Ki Young Choi3
1Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 700-422, Republic of Korea; Division of High-risk Pathogen Research, Korea National Institute of Health, Chungcheongbuk-do 363-951, Republic of Korea.
Hyaluronic acid nanoparticles (HA-NPs) show promise for atherosclerosis treatment. These HA-NPs actively target atherosclerotic lesions by binding to specific receptors, improving drug delivery for diagnosis and therapy.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Nanotechnology
- Cardiovascular Research
Background:
- Atherosclerosis diagnosis and therapy require targeted delivery agents.
- Hyaluronic acid (HA) receptors (stabilin-2, CD44) are over-expressed in atherosclerotic lesions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate hyaluronic acid nanoparticles (HA-NPs) as active targeting carriers for atherosclerosis.
Main Methods:
- In vitro cellular uptake assays with HA-NPs.
- In vivo optical imaging of HA-NP distribution in ApoE-deficient mice.
- Immunohistochemistry to confirm HA-NP co-localization with HA receptors.
Main Results:
- HA-NPs were selectively internalized by cells over-expressing HA receptors.
- In vivo imaging showed significantly higher HA-NP accumulation in atherosclerotic lesions compared to normal aorta.
- HA-NPs demonstrated superior targeting to atherosclerotic lesions compared to HGC-NPs (passive targeting).
Conclusions:
- HA-NPs effectively target atherosclerotic lesions via receptor-mediated endocytosis.
- HA-NPs show high potential as carriers for atherosclerosis diagnosis and therapy.
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