Thermal Ablation Therapy Integrated with Microenvironment Regulation and Anti-Inflammatory Effects for Choroidal...

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Ophthalmology
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Choroidal neovascularization (CNV) involves neovascularization, hypoxia, oxidative stress, and inflammation.
• Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) upregulation, driven by hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), promotes aberrant angiogenesis.
• Conventional therapies for CNV face limitations due to the complex pathological environment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a multifunctional nanoplatform for targeted CNV treatment.
• To integrate photothermal therapy (PTT), oxygen generation, and immunomodulation within a single nanosystem.
• To overcome limitations of current CNV therapies through synergistic multimodal treatment.

Main Methods:

• Development of a multifunctional nanoplatform (PDA@Ce-EGCG@RGD) for αvβ3 integrin targeting.
• Integration of PTT for oxygen-independent vessel ablation.
• Incorporation of H₂O₂ catalysis for oxygen generation to alleviate hypoxia and oxidative stress.
• Induction of M2 macrophage polarization for anti-inflammatory effects.

Main Results:

• The nanoplatform precisely targets CNV lesions.
• Synergistic effects of PTT, oxygen supply, and anti-inflammatory action were achieved.
• Sustained inhibition of VEGF expression and effective suppression of neovascularization were observed.
• The system demonstrated a promising therapeutic effect for CNV treatment.

Conclusions:

• The developed nanotherapeutic system offers a multimodal approach for CNV treatment.
• This strategy effectively combines PTT, microenvironment regulation, and anti-inflammatory action.
• The nanoplatform provides a promising therapeutic avenue for inhibiting VEGF and suppressing neovascularization in CNV.