Nano-particle engineered atorvastatin delivery to support mesenchymal stem cell survival in infarcted myocardium

Atorvastatin (ATV) may support mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) survival in post-infarct myocardium (MI) as inflammatory reactions, oxidative stress and hypoxia condition get started in such tissues after damage. However, limited aqueous insolubility and rapid first-pass metabolism reduce the systemic availability of ATV. The aim of the present investigation was to develop ATV loaded nanoparticles (ATVNPs) which might ensure the maximum availability of ATV in systemic circulation for longer duration and to strengthen the support to MSC survival. ATVNPs were synthesized using double emulsion solvent evaporation method and characterized as spherical shape, positive charged, nanoparticles of uniform size distribution and higher entrapment efficiency. ATVNPs were non-cytotoxic and showed sustained release (up to 28 days). Assessment of cardiac function (in terms of echocardiographic and left heart catheterization parameters) and cytokines estimation revealed efficient improvement in post-infarct myocardium condition of rat. In conclusion, ATVNP was developed successfully that may ensure safe, cost effective, and efficacious treatment of post-infarct myo-cardium when compared with that of MSC alone and MSC supplemented with ATV solution.