Harnessing fluorescent probes for molecular diagnosis and theranostics of atherosclerosis
Xiang Mao1, Xia Zhao1, Zhigang Ni1
1Faculty of Medicine, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, PR China.
Insights
Fluorescent probes are advanced molecular tools for diagnosing and treating atherosclerosis (AS), a key cause of cardiovascular disease. This review highlights their potential to improve AS management and clinical outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Molecular Imaging
- Cardiovascular Research
Background:
- Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a major global health concern, with atherosclerosis (AS) as its primary pathological basis.
- AS involves arterial wall thickening due to chronic inflammation.
- Molecular probes offer versatile capabilities for AS diagnosis, treatment, imaging, and surgical navigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advancements in fluorescent probes for atherosclerosis.
- To discuss the classification, synthesis, and targeted applications of these probes in AS.
- To highlight challenges and future directions for clinical translation.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature review of fluorescent probes in atherosclerosis research.
- Analysis of probe classification, synthesis strategies, and targeting mechanisms.
- Evaluation of applications in AS diagnosis, treatment monitoring, and surgical guidance.
Main Results:
- Fluorescent probes are a key focus due to their targeting efficacy, biocompatibility, and multimodal compatibility.
- Various probe types, including SERS, nuclear medicine, and photothermal probes, are discussed.
- Recent progress in fluorescent probe development for AS is summarized.
Conclusions:
- Fluorescent probes show significant promise for the auxiliary diagnosis and treatment of atherosclerosis.
- Further development is needed to overcome current challenges and facilitate clinical application.
- This review provides insights into advancing fluorescent probe technology for AS management.
Abstract:
Cardiovascular disease remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, posing a serious threat to human health. Atherosclerosis (AS), the pathological basis of most cardiovascular diseases, is characterized by arterial wall thickening caused by chronic inflammation. In recent years, molecular probes have attracted much attention as versatile tools for the diagnosis and treatment of AS, offering capabilities in imaging, drug monitoring, and surgical navigation. The existing probes include fluorescent probes, SERS probes, nuclear medicine probes, self-assembled nanoprobes, UC-FRET probes, photothermal probes, and multimodal probes. Among them, fluorescent probes have emerged as a research focus because of their excellent targeting effect, biocompatibility, and multimodal compatibility. This review summarizes recent advances in the classification and synthesis of fluorescent probes, their targeted applications in AS, and their auxiliary diagnosis and treatment of AS. By highlighting current progress and key challenges, this work aims to provide valuable insights to support further development and facilitate the advancement of fluorescent probe technologies in the context of AS, while promoting the clinical application of fluorescent probes.
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