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mPEG-icariin nanoparticles for treating myocardial ischaemia
Yongqiang Zheng1, Lingli Lu1, Zhengli Yan2
1a Department of Pharmacology, Laboratory of Chinese Herbal Pharmacology , Biomedical Research Institute, Hubei University of Medicine , Shiyan , Hubei , China.
Artificial Cells, Nanomedicine, and Biotechnology
|March 7, 2019
Summary
Icariin (ICA) was modified with polyethylene glycol (mPEG) to create nanoparticles (mPEG-ICA). These nanoparticles improved ICA delivery and efficacy for treating heart disease by reducing cell damage and apoptosis.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Nanotechnology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Icariin (ICA), a Chinese medicine component, shows promise for ischemic heart disease.
- ICA's hydrophobic nature hinders its administration and reduces therapeutic efficacy.
- Developing effective delivery systems is crucial for enhancing ICA's pharmacological potential.
Purpose of the Study:
- To enhance the hydrophobic property of Icariin (ICA) for improved therapeutic efficacy.
- To design and characterize novel nano-drug delivery system for ICA.
- To evaluate the efficacy of the modified ICA in protecting cardiomyocytes.
Main Methods:
- Icariin was chemically modified with hydrophilic polyethylene glycol monomethyl ether (mPEG) to form mPEG-ICA polymer.
- mPEG-ICA nanoparticles were synthesized using the dialysis method and characterized by spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering, and electron microscopy.
- In vitro studies assessed ICA release, cytotoxicity, and protective effects against oxygen-glucose deprivation in H9c2 cardiomyocytes.
Main Results:
- The mPEG-ICA polymer structure was confirmed, with ICA content at 32%.
- Spherical mPEG-ICA nanoparticles (143.3 nm) were successfully prepared, exhibiting pH-dependent drug release.
- mPEG-ICA nanoparticles significantly reduced cell damage and apoptosis in cardiomyocytes under ischemic conditions, demonstrating enhanced efficacy.
Conclusions:
- Hydrophilic modification of Icariin with mPEG effectively created a nano-drug delivery system.
- The developed mPEG-ICA nanoparticles show potential for improved treatment of ischemic heart disease.
- This approach overcomes ICA's hydrophobicity, enhancing its delivery and therapeutic effectiveness.
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