Prevention and treatment of atherothrombosis: Potential impact of nanotechnology

Area of Science:

• Vascular Biology
• Biomedical Engineering
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Atherosclerosis and atherothrombosis involve endothelial dysfunction, disrupting the balance between prothrombotic and antithrombotic factors.
• The endothelial glycocalyx plays a crucial role in maintaining vascular integrity and regulating thrombosis.
• Current antithrombotic therapies often carry a significant risk of major bleeding.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the emerging role of nanotechnology in developing safer and more effective antithrombotic strategies.
• To explore endothelial targets for enhanced antithrombosis.
• To assess the potential of nanotechnology-based drug delivery to mitigate bleeding risks associated with antithrombotic therapies.

Main Methods:

• Review of preclinical studies (in vitro and in vivo) investigating nanotechnology-based approaches for endothelial targeting.
• Analysis of studies focusing on enhancing antithrombotic activity while minimizing bleeding side effects.
• Evaluation of the proof-of-concept for nanotechnology in improving antithrombotic therapy safety and efficacy.

Main Results:

• Emerging preclinical data demonstrate nanotechnology's potential to target endothelial pathways involved in thrombosis.
• Nanotechnology-based strategies show promise in enhancing antithrombotic effects.
• These approaches may offer improved safety profiles compared to conventional therapies, with reduced bleeding risk.

Conclusions:

• Nanotechnology presents a promising avenue for developing next-generation antithrombotic therapies.
• Targeting the endothelium with nanotechnology could lead to enhanced efficacy and a better safety profile, particularly regarding bleeding complications.
• Further clinical studies are warranted to validate these preclinical findings.