Combating atherosclerosis with targeted nanomedicines: recent advances and future prospective

Abstract

Introduction: Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) is recognized as the leading cause of mortality worldwide. The increasing prevalence of such disease demands novel therapeutic and diagnostic approaches to overcome associated clinical/social issues. Recent advances in nanotechnology and biological sciences have provided intriguing insights to employ targeted Nanomachines to the desired location as imaging, diagnosis, and therapeutic modalities. Nanomedicines as novel tools for enhanced drug delivery, imaging, and diagnosis strategies have shown great promise to combat cardiovascular diseases. Methods: In the current study, we intend to review the most recent studies on the nano-based strategies for improved management of CVDs. Results: A cascade of events results in the formation of atheromatous plaque and arterial stenosis. Furthermore, recent studies have shown that nanomedicines have displayed unique functionalities and provided de novo applications in the diagnosis and treatment of atherosclerosis. Conclusion: Despite some limitations, nanomedicines hold considerable potential in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of various ailments including atherosclerosis. Fewer side effects, amenable physicochemical properties and multi-potential application of such nano-systems are recognized through various investigations. Therefore, it is strongly believed that with targeted drug delivery to atherosclerotic lesions and plaque, management of onset and progression of disease would be more efficient than classical treatment modalities.

A new approach to the diagnosis and treatment of atherosclerosis: the era of the liposome

“…The luminal endothelium and newly formed microvessels overexpress cell adhesion molecules, such as VCAM1, intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1), P-selectin, E-selectin, and alpha V beta 3 (αVβ3) integrin. Even noncellular components of plaques, such as junctional adhesion molecules (JAMs), which serve to direct the inflammatory cells to the atherosclerotic site, could be a potential target for liposomes [18]. Antibodies against the above-mentioned molecules are attached to the surface of the liposome to target the dysfunctional endothelium.…”

“…Both SPECT and PET techniques construct images based upon the detection of gamma rays emanating from radioactive substances within tissues. 18 F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) is a radio-labeled glucose analog that can be used in PET scanning. In the context of atherosclerosis, this technique is useful in identifying macrophages and inflammation [62].…”

“…In the context of atherosclerosis, this technique is useful in identifying macrophages and inflammation [62]. 18 F-sodium fluoride is another PET radiotracer that is used for dynamic evaluation of coronary microcalcification [63]. SPECT can also be used with a variety of tracers to identify inflammation [62].…”

Lipid‐based gene delivery to macrophage mitochondria for atherosclerosis therapy

“…In this case, a number of solutions in carrier design have been suggested, and some of them are currently being tested in models. Moreover, there is always a question of cost effectiveness related to nanomaterials and carrier preparation 124 . Today we can conclude that more preclinical studies are needed to reach the step of clinical approval of this promising therapeutic approach.…”

Microfluidization trends in the development of nanodelivery systems and applications in chronic disease treatments

“…Recently various nanodelivery systems were developed using plant bioactive compounds like nanoemulsion or nanoparticles for their effective preventive role against various chronic diseases including cardiovascular effects. [172][173][174][175] Recently, Baicalein-loaded nanoemulsion was developed with a particle size of about 91 nm, showing excellent bioavailability of these compounds in rats, 176 and it could be possibly used in anticardiovascular studies. Another potential anticardiovascular compound β-carotene was studied using the microfluidization technique, and are able to produce food grade nanoemulsion along with higher stability with a particle size of ,200 nm.…”