Nanoparticle approaches for the renin-angiotensin system

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Pharmacology
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• The renin-angiotensin system (RAS) plays a critical role in systemic hypertension, heart failure, kidney disease, and neurodegenerative disorders.
• RAS activation can exacerbate inflammation and fibrosis, contributing to disease progression.
• Current RAS-inhibiting drugs face challenges including poor blood-brain barrier penetration, low bioavailability, and short half-lives.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review nanoparticle-mediated drug delivery systems (DDSs) as potential alternatives to overcome limitations of conventional RAS inhibitors.
• To summarize the physical and chemical characteristics of various nanoparticles for RAS-related applications.
• To elaborate on the potential clinical applications of nano-scale DDSs in managing RAS-associated diseases.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on nanoparticle DDSs and their application in targeting the renin-angiotensin system.
• Analysis of nanoparticle characteristics such as size, water dispersity, circulation half-life, and biocompatibility.
• Examination of different nanoparticle types, including chitosan, polymeric, and nanofibers, used in RAS-related studies.

Main Results:

• Nanoparticle DDSs exhibit unique characteristics like smaller size (1-100 nm), enhanced water dispersity, prolonged circulation, and biocompatibility.
• Nano-scale DDSs can potentially reduce drug dosage frequency and acute toxicity while improving therapeutic outcomes.
• Various nanoparticles have shown promise in studies related to hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and COVID-19, all involving RAS.

Conclusions:

• Nanoparticle-mediated DDSs represent a significant advancement for RAS-targeted therapies, addressing limitations of traditional drugs.
• The unique properties of nanoparticles offer enhanced efficacy and safety profiles for treating a range of RAS-related conditions.
• Further research into the physical and chemical properties of nanoparticles is crucial for optimizing their use in clinical applications for RAS disorders.