Multi-Pathway Microenvironment Regulation for Atherosclerosis Therapy Based on Beta-Cyclodextrin/L-Arginine/Au...

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Nanotechnology
• Cardiovascular Research

Background:

• Current non-pharmacological treatments for atherosclerosis (AS) have limited efficacy due to poor plaque penetration and targeting of single factors.
• Atherosclerosis involves complex pathological processes including inflammation, lipid accumulation, and oxidative stress.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel nanomotor system with dual-mode propulsion for enhanced penetration and multi-targeted therapy of atherosclerosis.
• To investigate the therapeutic potential of these nanomotors in regulating the atherosclerotic microenvironment.

Main Methods:

• Construction of dual-mode propulsion nanomotors via covalent binding and self-assembly of β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) and L-arginine (LA) with immobilized gold nanoparticles.
• Utilizing near-infrared (NIR) laser irradiation for photothermal ablation of macrophages and as a propulsion force.
• Employing nitric oxide (NO) released from L-arginine as a secondary propulsion force and therapeutic agent for endothelial repair.

Main Results:

• Nanomotors demonstrated dual-mode propulsion sensitive to reactive oxygen species (ROS) and NIR laser, enhancing plaque penetration and aggregation.
• NIR laser irradiation induced photothermal ablation of inflammatory macrophages.
• Released nitric oxide (NO) promoted endothelial repair, while L-arginine (LA) reduced ROS and β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) facilitated cholesterol removal from foam cells.

Conclusions:

• The developed nanomotors offer a synergistic multi-pronged therapeutic approach for atherosclerosis, addressing endothelial repair, lipid clearance, and ROS reduction.
• This nanomotor system represents a promising non-pharmacological strategy for the treatment of atherosclerosis with improved therapeutic effects.