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Li Y, Feng Q, Wang L, Gao X, Xi Y, Ye L, Ji J, Yang X, Zhai G. Current targeting strategies and advanced nanoplatforms for atherosclerosis therapy. J Drug Target 2024; 32:128-147. [PMID: 38217526 DOI: 10.1080/1061186x.2023.2300694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2023] [Accepted: 12/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2024]
Abstract
Atherosclerosis is one of the major causes of death worldwide, and it is closely related to many cardiovascular diseases, such as stroke, myocardial infraction and angina. Although traditional surgical and pharmacological interventions can effectively retard or slow down the progression of atherosclerosis, it is very difficult to prevent or even reverse this disease. In recent years, with the rapid development of nanotechnology, various nanoagents have been designed and applied to different diseases including atherosclerosis. The unique atherosclerotic microenvironment with signature biological components allows nanoplatforms to distinguish atherosclerotic lesions from normal tissue and to approach plaques specifically. Based on the process of atherosclerotic plaque formation, this review summarises the nanodrug delivery strategies for atherosclerotic therapy, trying to provide help for researchers to understand the existing atherosclerosis management approaches as well as challenges and to reasonably design anti-atherosclerotic nanoplatforms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingchao Li
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, P.R. China
| | - Qixiang Feng
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, P.R. China
| | - Luyue Wang
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, P.R. China
| | - Xi Gao
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, P.R. China
| | - Yanwei Xi
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, P.R. China
| | - Lei Ye
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, P.R. China
| | - Jianbo Ji
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, P.R. China
| | - Xiaoye Yang
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, P.R. China
| | - Guangxi Zhai
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, P.R. China
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Zong Q, He C, Long B, Huang Q, Chen Y, Li Y, Dang Y, Cai C. Targeted Delivery of Nanoparticles to Blood Vessels for the Treatment of Atherosclerosis. Biomedicines 2024; 12:1504. [PMID: 39062077 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12071504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2024] [Revised: 06/21/2024] [Accepted: 07/04/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Atherosclerosis is a common form of cardiovascular disease, which is one of the most prevalent causes of death worldwide, particularly among older individuals. Surgery is the mainstay of treatment for severe stenotic lesions, though the rate of restenosis remains relatively high. Current medication therapy for atherosclerosis has limited efficacy in reversing the formation of atherosclerotic plaques. The search for new drug treatment options is imminent. Some potent medications have shown surprising therapeutic benefits in inhibiting inflammation and endothelial proliferation in plaques. Unfortunately, their use is restricted due to notable dose-dependent systemic side effects or degradation. Nevertheless, with advances in nanotechnology, an increasing number of nano-related medical applications are emerging, such as nano-drug delivery, nano-imaging, nanorobots, and so forth, which allow for restrictions on the use of novel atherosclerotic drugs to be lifted. This paper reviews new perspectives on the targeted delivery of nanoparticles to blood vessels for the treatment of atherosclerosis in both systemic and local drug delivery. In systemic drug delivery, nanoparticles inhibit drug degradation and reduce systemic toxicity through passive and active pathways. To further enhance the precise release of drugs, the localized delivery of nanoparticles can also be accomplished through blood vessel wall injection or using endovascular interventional devices coated with nanoparticles. Overall, nanotechnology holds boundless potential for the diagnosis and treatment of atherosclerotic diseases in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiushuo Zong
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Chengyi He
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou 350122, China
| | - Binbin Long
- Department of General Surgery, Taihe Hospital Affiliated to Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan 442099, China
| | - Qingyun Huang
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, The First Hospital of Putian Affiliated to Fujian Medical University, Putian 351106, China
| | - Yunfei Chen
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Yiqing Li
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Yiping Dang
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Chuanqi Cai
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
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Jia J, Li L, Wu Z, Li S. Fluorescent probes for imaging: a focus on atherosclerosis. NANOSCALE 2024; 16:11849-11862. [PMID: 38836376 DOI: 10.1039/d4nr01533a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2024]
Abstract
Atherosclerosis, as a chronic cardiovascular disease driven by inflammation, can lead to arterial stenosis and thrombosis, which seriously threatens human life and health. Achieving the timely monitoring of atherosclerosis is an important measure to reduce acute cardiovascular diseases. Compared with other imaging platforms, fluorescence imaging technology has the characteristics of excellent sensitivity, high spatiotemporal resolution and real-time imaging, which is very suitable for direct visualization of molecular processes and abnormalities of atherosclerosis. Recently, researchers have strived to design a variety of fluorescent probes, from single-mode fluorescent probes to fluorescent-combined dual/multimode probes, to enrich the imaging and detection of atherosclerosis. Therefore, this review aims to provide an overview of currently investigated fluorescent probes in the context of atherosclerosis, summarize relevant published studies showing applications of different types of fluorescent probes in the early-stage and other stages to detect atherosclerosis, give effective biological targets and discuss the latest progress and some limitations. Finally, some insights are provided for the development of a new generation of more accurate and efficient fluorescent probes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Jia
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China.
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Molecular Imaging, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Li Li
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China.
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Molecular Imaging, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Zhifang Wu
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China.
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Molecular Imaging, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Sijin Li
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China.
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Molecular Imaging, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
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Cruz JT, Álvarez K, Orozco VH, Rojas M, Morales-Luckie RA, Giraldo LF. PLGA-LEC/F127 hybrid nanoparticles loaded with curcumin and their modulatory effect on monocytes. Nanomedicine (Lond) 2024:1-17. [PMID: 38920352 DOI: 10.1080/17435889.2024.2357530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Aim: To investigate the effect of surfactant type on curcumin-loaded (CUR) PLGA nanoparticles (NPs) to modulate monocyte functions. Materials & methods: The nanoprecipitation method was used, and PLGA NPs were designed using Pluronic F127 (F127) and/or lecithin (LEC) as surfactants. Results: The Z-average of the NPs was <200 nm, they had a spherical shape, Derjaguin-Muller-Toporov modulus >0.128 MPa, they were stable during storage at 4°C, ζ-potential ∼-40 mV, polydispersity index <0.26 and % EE of CUR >94%. PLGA-LEC/F127 NPs showed favorable physicochemical and nanomechanical properties. These NPs were bound and internalized mainly by monocytes, suppressed monocyte-induced reactive oxygen species production, and decreased the ability of monocytes to modulate T-cell proliferation. Conclusion: These results demonstrate the potential of these NPs for targeted therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer T Cruz
- Polymer Research Laboratory (LIPOL), Institute of Chemistry, University of Antioquia (UdeA), Medellín, Colombia
- Faculty of Basic Sciences, University of the Amazonia (UDLA), Florencia, Colombia
| | - Karen Álvarez
- Cellular Immunology & Immunogenetics Group (GICIG), University Research Headquarters (SIU), University of Antioquia (UdeA), Medellín, Colombia
| | - Víctor H Orozco
- Polymer Research Laboratory (LIPOL), Institute of Chemistry, University of Antioquia (UdeA), Medellín, Colombia
| | - Mauricio Rojas
- Cellular Immunology & Immunogenetics Group (GICIG), University Research Headquarters (SIU), University of Antioquia (UdeA), Medellín, Colombia
| | - Raul A Morales-Luckie
- Autonomous University of the State of Mexico, Sustainable Chemistry Research Joint Center UAEM-UNAM (CCIQS), Toluca, Estado de México, México
| | - Luis F Giraldo
- Polymer Research Laboratory (LIPOL), Institute of Chemistry, University of Antioquia (UdeA), Medellín, Colombia
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Deng X, Wang J, Yu S, Tan S, Yu T, Xu Q, Chen N, Zhang S, Zhang M, Hu K, Xiao Z. Advances in the treatment of atherosclerosis with ligand-modified nanocarriers. EXPLORATION (BEIJING, CHINA) 2024; 4:20230090. [PMID: 38939861 PMCID: PMC11189587 DOI: 10.1002/exp.20230090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2024]
Abstract
Atherosclerosis, a chronic disease associated with metabolism, poses a significant risk to human well-being. Currently, existing treatments for atherosclerosis lack sufficient efficiency, while the utilization of surface-modified nanoparticles holds the potential to deliver highly effective therapeutic outcomes. These nanoparticles can target and bind to specific receptors that are abnormally over-expressed in atherosclerotic conditions. This paper reviews recent research (2018-present) advances in various ligand-modified nanoparticle systems targeting atherosclerosis by specifically targeting signature molecules in the hope of precise treatment at the molecular level and concludes with a discussion of the challenges and prospects in this field. The intention of this review is to inspire novel concepts for the design and advancement of targeted nanomedicines tailored specifically for the treatment of atherosclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiujiao Deng
- Department of PharmacyThe First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan UniversityGuangzhouChina
- The Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Basic and Translational Research on Chronic DiseasesJinan UniversityGuangzhouChina
- Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical SciencesSouthern Medical UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Jinghao Wang
- Department of PharmacyThe First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan UniversityGuangzhouChina
- The Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Basic and Translational Research on Chronic DiseasesJinan UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Shanshan Yu
- Department of PharmacyZhujiang HospitalSouthern Medical UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Suiyi Tan
- Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical SciencesSouthern Medical UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Tingting Yu
- Department of PharmacyThe First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan UniversityGuangzhouChina
- The Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Basic and Translational Research on Chronic DiseasesJinan UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Qiaxin Xu
- Department of PharmacyThe First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan UniversityGuangzhouChina
- The Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Basic and Translational Research on Chronic DiseasesJinan UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Nenghua Chen
- Department of PharmacyThe First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan UniversityGuangzhouChina
- The Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Basic and Translational Research on Chronic DiseasesJinan UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Siqi Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia MedicaChinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijingChina
| | - Ming‐Rong Zhang
- Department of Advanced Nuclear Medicine Sciences, Institute of Quantum Medical, ScienceNational Institutes for Quantum Science and TechnologyChibaJapan
| | - Kuan Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia MedicaChinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijingChina
- Department of Advanced Nuclear Medicine Sciences, Institute of Quantum Medical, ScienceNational Institutes for Quantum Science and TechnologyChibaJapan
| | - Zeyu Xiao
- The Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Basic and Translational Research on Chronic DiseasesJinan UniversityGuangzhouChina
- The Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Molecular and Functional Imaging for Clinical TranslationJinan UniversityGuangzhouChina
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Jiang Y, Yu M, Song ZF, Wei ZY, Huang J, Qian HY. Targeted Delivery of Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Derived Bioinspired Exosome-Mimetic Nanovesicles with Platelet Membrane Fusion for Atherosclerotic Treatment. Int J Nanomedicine 2024; 19:2553-2571. [PMID: 38505171 PMCID: PMC10949310 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s452824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose Accumulating evidence indicates that mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs)-derived exosomes hold significant potential for the treatment of atherosclerosis. However, large-scale production and organ-specific targeting of exosomes are still challenges for further clinical applications. This study aims to explore the targeted efficiency and therapeutic potential of biomimetic platelet membrane-coated exosome-mimetic nanovesicles (P-ENVs) in atherosclerosis. Methods To produce exosome-mimetic nanovesicles (ENVs), MSCs were successively extruded through polycarbonate porous membranes. P-ENVs were engineered by fusing MSC-derived ENVs with platelet membranes and characterized using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA), and Western blot. The stability and safety of P-ENVs were also assessed. The targeted efficacy of P-ENVs was evaluated using an in vivo imaging system (IVIS) spectrum imaging system and immunofluorescence. Histological analyses, Oil Red O (ORO) staining, and Western blot were used to investigate the anti-atherosclerotic effectiveness of P-ENVs. Results Both ENVs and P-ENVs exhibited similar characteristics to exosomes. Subsequent miRNA sequencing of P-ENVs revealed their potential to mitigate atherosclerosis by influencing biological processes related to cholesterol metabolism. In an ApoE-/- mice model, the intravenous administration of P-ENVs exhibited enhanced targeting of atherosclerotic plaques, resulting in a significant reduction in lipid deposition and necrotic core area. Our in vitro experiments showed that P-ENVs promoted cholesterol efflux and reduced total cholesterol content in foam cells. Further analysis revealed that P-ENVs attenuated intracellular cholesterol accumulation by upregulating the expression of the critical cholesterol transporters ABCA1 and ABCG1. Conclusion This study highlighted the potential of P-ENVs as a novel nano-drug delivery platform for enhancing drug delivery efficiency while concurrently mitigating adverse reactions in atherosclerotic therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Jiang
- Center for Coronary Heart Disease, Department of Cardiology, Fu Wai Hospital, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases of China, State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Miao Yu
- Center for Coronary Heart Disease, Department of Cardiology, Fu Wai Hospital, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases of China, State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhi-Feng Song
- Center for Coronary Heart Disease, Department of Cardiology, Fu Wai Hospital, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases of China, State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhi-Yao Wei
- Center for Coronary Heart Disease, Department of Cardiology, Fu Wai Hospital, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases of China, State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ji Huang
- Center for Coronary Artery Disease, Division of Cardiology, Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Institute of Heart, Lung, and Blood Vessel Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Hai-Yan Qian
- Center for Coronary Heart Disease, Department of Cardiology, Fu Wai Hospital, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases of China, State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
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Tu Y, Ma X, Chen H, Fan Y, Jiang L, Zhang R, Cheng Z. Molecular Imaging of Matrix Metalloproteinase-2 in Atherosclerosis Using a Smart Multifunctional PET/MRI Nanoparticle. Int J Nanomedicine 2022; 17:6773-6789. [PMID: 36600879 PMCID: PMC9805955 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s385679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Matrix metalloproteinases from macrophages are important intraplaque components that play pivotal roles in plaque progression and regression. This study sought to develop a novel multifunctional positron emission tomography (PET) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agents based on MMP-2 cleavable nanoparticles to noninvasive assessment of MMP-2 activity in mouse carotid atherosclerotic plaques. Results Macrophage-rich vascular lesions were induced by carotid ligation plus high-fat diet and streptozotocin-induced diabetes in CL57/BL6 mice. To render iron oxide nanoparticles (IONP) specific for the extracellular MMP-2, the magnetic nanoparticle base material has been derivatized with 1,4,7-triazacyclononane-1,4,7-triacetic acid (NOTA) for the nuclear tracer 64Cu labeling and the MMP-2-cleavable peptide modified with polyethylene glycol 2000, yielding a multi-modality reporter (64Cu-NOTA-IONP@MMP2c-PEG2K, MMP2cNPs) for PET/MR imaging. Small animal PET imaging and biodistribution data revealed that MMP2cNPs exhibited remarkable plaque uptake (3.06 ± 0.87% ID/g and 1.83 ± 0.28% ID/g at 4 and 12 h, respectively). And MMP2cNPs were rapidly cleared from the contralateral normal carotid artery, resulting in excellent plaque-to-normal carotid artery contrasts. Furthermore, in vivo MRI showed a preferential accumulation of MMP2cNPs in atherosclerotic lesions compared with the non-cleavable reference compound, MMP2ncNPs. In addition, histological analyses revealed iron accumulations in the carotid atherosclerotic plaque, in colocalization with MMP-2 expression and macrophages. Conclusion Using a combination of innovative imaging modalities, in this study, we demonstrate the feasibility of applying the novel smart MMP2cNPs as a PET/MR hybrid imaging contrast agent for detection of MMP-2 in atherosclerotic plaque in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingfeng Tu
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, People’s Republic of China,Molecular Imaging Program at Stanford, Department of Radiology and Bio-X Program, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Xiaowei Ma
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Hao Chen
- Molecular Imaging Program at Stanford, Department of Radiology and Bio-X Program, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA,Molecular Imaging Center, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yuhua Fan
- College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University, Daqing, Heilongjiang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Lei Jiang
- Molecular Imaging Program at Stanford, Department of Radiology and Bio-X Program, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Ruiping Zhang
- Molecular Imaging Program at Stanford, Department of Radiology and Bio-X Program, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA,The Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Taiyuan, People’s Republic of China,Ruiping Zhang, Department of Radiology, the Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Taiyuan, 030032, People’s Republic of China, Email
| | - Zhen Cheng
- Molecular Imaging Program at Stanford, Department of Radiology and Bio-X Program, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA,Molecular Imaging Center, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China,Correspondence: Zhen Cheng, Molecular Imaging Program at Stanford, Department of Radiology and Bio-X Program, Canary Center at Stanford for Cancer Early Detection, 1201 Welch Road, Lucas Expansion, P095, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA, Tel +01-650-723-7866, Email
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Hetherington I, Totary-Jain H. Anti-atherosclerotic therapies: Milestones, challenges, and emerging innovations. Mol Ther 2022; 30:3106-3117. [PMID: 36065464 PMCID: PMC9552812 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2022.08.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Revised: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Atherosclerosis is the main underlying pathology for many cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), which are the leading cause of death globally and represent a serious health crisis. Atherosclerosis is a chronic condition that can lead to myocardial infarction, ischemic cardiomyopathy, stroke, and peripheral arterial disease. Elevated plasma lipids, hypertension, and high glucose are the major risk factors for developing atherosclerotic plaques. To date, most pharmacological therapies aim to control these risk factors, but they do not target the plaque-causing cells themselves. In patients with acute coronary syndromes, surgical revascularization with percutaneous coronary intervention has greatly reduced mortality rates. However, stent thrombosis and neo-atherosclerosis have emerged as major safety concerns of drug eluting stents due to delayed re-endothelialization. This review summarizes the major milestones, strengths, and limitations of current anti-atherosclerotic therapies. It provides an overview of the recent discoveries and emerging game-changing technologies in the fields of nanomedicine, mRNA therapeutics, and gene editing that have the potential to revolutionize CVD clinical practice by steering it toward precision medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabella Hetherington
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, 12901 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., MDC08, 2170, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| | - Hana Totary-Jain
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, 12901 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., MDC08, 2170, Tampa, FL 33612, USA.
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