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Liposomes to Augment Dialysis in Preclinical Models: A Structured Review.
Kevin Hart1, Martyn Harvey2, Mingtan Tang3
1Intensive Care Unit, Hawkes Bay District Health Board, Hastings 9014, New Zealand.
Pharmaceutics
|April 3, 2021
Summary
Empty liposomes are being explored as novel scavengers for toxins. Clinical applications in dialysis show promise for treating various intoxications and organ failures.
Area of Science:
- Nanomedicine
- Biochemistry
- Clinical Trials
Background:
- Empty liposomes, without drug payloads, are investigated as scavengers for both external and internal toxins.
- Preclinical studies suggest repurposing liposomes for toxin sequestration holds clinical potential.
- Utilizing empty liposomes in dialysis fluid bypasses complement activation, enabling higher doses and broader toxin removal.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current literature on using empty liposomes as toxin scavengers.
- To increase awareness and guide future research in this nanomedical application.
- To explore the potential of liposomes beyond pharmaceutical delivery for therapeutic indications.
Main Methods:
- Structured literature search identifying thirteen relevant papers.
- Analysis of studies focusing on liposome applications in hepatic failure, exogenous intoxicants, and uremic toxins.
- Review of liposome-supported enzymatic dialysis and pH-gradient liposomes.
Main Results:
- Augmenting ammonia removal in hepatic failure using pH-gradient liposomes is the most studied area, with Phase I trials approaching.
- Liposomes show potential in enhancing the removal of exogenous toxins and protein-bound uremic/hepatic toxins.
- Liposome-supported enzymatic dialysis is also an area of investigation.
Conclusions:
- Empty liposomes represent a promising nanomedical approach for toxin removal.
- Repurposing liposomes from drug carriers to clinical antidotes/treatments is anticipated within the next decade.
- Further research and clinical trials are warranted to fully realize the therapeutic potential of liposomes in managing toxicities and organ failures.
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