Journal of Clinical & Experimental Pharmacology

Advanced Nanomedicine Strategies for Targeted Drug Delivery in Atherosclerosis Treatment

Linying Wang^* Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
^*Correspondence: Linying Wang, Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China, Email:

Received: 06-May-2024, Manuscript No. CPECR-24-26372; Editor assigned: 08-May-2024, Pre QC No. CPECR-24-26372 (PQ); Reviewed: 22-May-2024, QC No. CPECR-24-26372; Revised: 29-May-2024, Manuscript No. CPECR-24-26372 (R); Published: 06-Jun-2024, DOI: 10.35248/2161-1459.24.14.424

Description

Atherosclerosis, a leading cause of cardiovascular diseases, is characterized by the buildup of plaque within arterial walls, leading to impaired blood flow and increased risk of heart attacks and strokes. Traditional treatments focus on lifestyle changes, medications, and surgical interventions. However, these approaches often fall short in addressing the underlying causes and delivering targeted therapy. Recent advancements in nanomedicine offer potential solutions, enabling precise drug delivery and improved therapeutic outcomes for atherosclerosis.

Nanomedicine in atherosclerosis treatment

Nanomedicine involves the use of nanoscale materials, typically ranging from 1 to 100 nanometers, for medical applications. These materials can be engineered to interact with biological systems at the molecular level, allowing for targeted drug delivery, enhanced imaging, and improved diagnostics. In the context of atherosclerosis, nanomedicine aims to deliver therapeutic agents directly to the site of plaque buildup, minimizing systemic side effects and maximizing treatment efficacy.

Mechanisms of nanomedicine-based drug delivery

Nanoparticles: Nanoparticles are the most widely studied nanocarriers for drug delivery. They can be made from various materials, including lipids, polymers, and metals, and can encapsulate drugs, genes, or imaging agents. Nanoparticles are designed to be biocompatible and can be functionalized with targeting ligands, such as antibodies or peptides, to specifically bind to atherosclerotic plaques.

Liposomal delivery systems: Liposomes are spherical vesicles composed of lipid bilayers, capable of encapsulating both hydrophilic and hydrophobic drugs. They can be engineered to carry drugs directly to the plaque site by modifying their surface with targeting molecules. Liposomal formulations enhance the stability and bioavailability of drugs, ensuring controlled and sustained release.

Micelles: Micelles are self-assembling structures formed by amphiphilic molecules. They are particularly useful for delivering hydrophobic drugs, which are solubilized within their core. Micelles can be functionalized with targeting ligands to improve selectivity for atherosclerotic lesions.

Dendrimers: Dendrimers are highly branched, tree-like polymers with a central core. They offer a high degree of control over size, shape, and surface functionality, making them ideal carriers for drug delivery. Dendrimers can encapsulate multiple therapeutic agents and provide targeted delivery to atherosclerotic plaques.

Polymeric nanoparticles: Polymeric nanoparticles are made from biodegradable polymers and can be designed to release drugs in a controlled manner. They offer flexibility in drug loading and can be customized for specific therapeutic needs. These nanoparticles can also be functionalized with targeting moieties to enhance plaque-specific delivery.

Targeting atherosclerotic plaques

Effective treatment of atherosclerosis requires precise targeting of therapeutic agents to the site of plaque buildup. Nanomedicine- based drug delivery systems achieve this through several strategies:

Active targeting: This approach involves the modification of nanocarriers with ligands that specifically bind to molecules expressed on atherosclerotic plaques. Commonly used ligands include antibodies, peptides, and small molecules that recognize endothelial cells, macrophages, and smooth muscle cells within the plaque.

Passive targeting: Nanoparticles can exploit the Enhanced Permeability and Retention (EPR) effect, a phenomenon where the leaky vasculature of atherosclerotic plaques allows nanoparticles to accumulate preferentially. This passive targeting enhances drug concentration at the plaque site.

Magnetic targeting: Magnetic nanoparticles can be guided to the plaque site using external magnetic fields. This method allows for precise control over the localization and concentration of the therapeutic agents.

Stimuli-responsive delivery: Nanocarriers can be engineered to respond to specific stimuli, such as pH, temperature, or enzymes present in the atherosclerotic environment. These stimuli- responsive systems ensure that drugs are released only at the site of interest.

Clinical applications and challenges

Several nanomedicine-based drug delivery systems are under investigation for the treatment of atherosclerosis:

Anti-inflammatory agents: Targeting inflammation within plaques is important for stabilizing them and preventing rupture. Nanoparticles delivering anti-inflammatory drugs, such as statins or corticosteroids, have shown potential in preclinical studies.

Gene therapy: Nanocarriers can deliver therapeutic genes to modulate the expression of main proteins involved in plaque formation and progression. Gene therapy approaches aim to repair damaged tissues and restore normal vascular function.

Antioxidant delivery: Oxidative stress contributes to plaque development and instability. Nanoparticles loaded with antioxidants can reduce oxidative damage and improve plaque stability.

Despite the potential benefits, several challenges remain in translating nanomedicine-based therapies from bench to bedside. These include ensuring the safety and biocompatibility of nanomaterials, overcoming biological barriers, and achieving regulatory approval. Additionally, large-scale manufacturing and cost-effectiveness are critical considerations for widespread clinical adoption.

Nanomedicine-based drug delivery strategies offer a novel and potential approach to the treatment of atherosclerosis. By enabling targeted delivery of therapeutic agents, these systems have the potential to enhance treatment efficacy, reduce side effects, and improve patient outcomes. Continued research and development in this field are essential to overcome existing challenges and bring these innovative therapies to clinical practice, ultimately reducing the burden of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases.