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Macrophages mediated diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis using fibrin based magnetic nanoparticles as MRI contrast
Prabu Periyathambi1, Thotapalli Parvathaleswara Sastry1, Suresh Kumar Anandasadagopan2
1Biological Materials/Bio-Products Laboratory, Central Leather Research Institute (CLRI), Adyar, Chennai 600 020, India.
Background:
A variety of bioimaging tools assists in the diagnosis and evaluation of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and other osteoarthritis. However, detection of RA in the early stages by targeting its macrophages with suitable contrast agents will help in arresting the progression of the disease.
Methods:
In the present study, we investigated the effectiveness of using magnetic fibrin nanoparticles (MFNPs) conjugated with folic acid (FA-MFNPs) as a specific contrast agent to target the activated macrophages, which overexpress the folate receptors (FR) in the knee joints of rats with antigen-induced arthritis (AIA).
Results:
FA-MFNPs were spherical with an average size of 18.3±1.6nm. In vitro studies have shown effective internalization of FA-MFNPs into the Raw264.7 macrophage cells. In vivo studies were carried out by injecting FA-MFNPs intravenously into the arthritic rats. The results showed enhanced MR imaging in the synovium of arthritic joints. Prussian blue histological staining confirmed uptake of FA-MFNPs by macrophages in the synovial tissue.
Conclusion:
The animal experiment results indicate that FA-MFNPs can be used as a specific MRI contrast agent in identifying phagocytic active macrophages in the synovial joints.
General Significance:
Blood is the precursor source for synthesising the fibrin-based iron oxide (magnetic) nanoparticles (MFNPs) with diameters between 12 and 15nm. It has excellent superparamagnetic behaviour, biocompatibility, osteogenic potency, hemocompatibility, and biodegradable properties. MFNPs-based nanocomposites might be a promising contrast agent for bioimaging.
Insights
Researchers developed folic acid-conjugated magnetic fibrin nanoparticles (FA-MFNPs) for early rheumatoid arthritis detection. These nanoparticles specifically target macrophages in arthritic joints, enhancing MRI contrast for improved diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Nanotechnology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) diagnosis and evaluation often rely on bioimaging tools.
- Early detection of RA by targeting macrophages with contrast agents is crucial for disease progression management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the efficacy of folic acid-conjugated magnetic fibrin nanoparticles (FA-MFNPs) as a specific contrast agent.
- To target activated macrophages overexpressing folate receptors in antigen-induced arthritis (AIA) rat models.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of magnetic fibrin nanoparticles (MFNPs) and conjugation with folic acid (FA-MFNPs).
- In vitro studies assessing FA-MFNP internalization into Raw264.7 macrophage cells.
- In vivo studies involving intravenous injection of FA-MFNPs into arthritic rats for MRI and histological analysis.
Main Results:
- FA-MFNPs demonstrated spherical morphology with an average size of 18.3±1.6nm.
- Effective internalization of FA-MFNPs into macrophages was observed in vitro.
- In vivo studies showed enhanced MR imaging in the synovium of arthritic joints, with histological staining confirming macrophage uptake.
Conclusions:
- FA-MFNPs show potential as a specific MRI contrast agent for identifying phagocytic active macrophages in synovial joints.
- This approach may aid in the early diagnosis and management of inflammatory joint diseases like RA.
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