NET-targeted nanoparticles for antithrombotic therapy in pregnancy

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Nanotechnology
• Obstetrics & Gynecology

Background:

• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) during pregnancy poses significant maternal health risks, including pulmonary embolism.
• Current treatment options for DVT in pregnancy lack sufficient safety and efficacy.
• Neutrophil extracellular trap (NET) formation is increasingly recognized as a key factor in thrombogenesis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate a novel nanoparticle-based therapeutic approach for DVT in pregnancy.
• To investigate the safety and efficacy of targeting activated neutrophils and mitigating thrombosis-related complications.
• To address the unmet need for safe and effective DVT treatments during gestation.

Main Methods:

• Creation of nanoparticles surface-modified with a neutrophil elastase (NE)-binding peptide for targeted delivery.
• Utilizing Prussian blue nanoparticles (PB NPs) to scavenge reactive oxygen species (ROS) and act as photothermal agents.
• Employing photothermal therapy (PTT) to disrupt the fibrin network structure associated with thrombosis.

Main Results:

• The developed nanoparticles effectively target activated neutrophils both in vitro and in vivo.
• Prussian blue nanoparticles demonstrated ROS scavenging and photothermal capabilities for fibrin network disruption.
• The noninvasive photothermal therapy approach was found to be safe for both mother and fetus.
• Significant alleviation of intrauterine growth restriction caused by maternal thrombosis was observed.

Conclusions:

• Surface-modified nanoparticles offer a promising targeted therapy for DVT in pregnancy.
• This noninvasive photothermal therapy presents a safe and effective strategy for managing maternal thrombosis.
• The approach shows potential in mitigating severe complications like intrauterine growth restriction.