Nanotechnology for Targeted Therapy of Atherosclerosis

Abstract

Atherosclerosis is the major cause of heart attack and stroke that are the leading causes of death in the world. Nanomedicine is a powerful tool that can be engineered to target atherosclerotic plaques for therapeutic and diagnosis purposes. In this review, advances in designing nanoparticles with therapeutic effects on atherosclerotic plaques known as atheroprotective nanomedicine have been summarized to stimulate further development and future translation.

Tissue Engineering and Targeted Drug Delivery in Cardiovascular Disease: The Role of Polymer Nanocarrier for Statin Therapy

“…The outcome of coronary heart disease leads to a disruption of the extracellular matrix during the inflammatory and reparative phase [ 60 ]. Nanoparticles, loaded with pitavastatin, are able to protect the extracellular matrix from postischemic remodeling, by blocking the migration of monocytes [ 61 , 62 ]. This confirms that the targeted statins can improve the healing process of the heart area affected by ischemia [ 63 , 64 ].…”

“…PLGA seems particularly suitable thanks to its easy degradation, its prolonged release of the drug, and its very high biocompatibility [ 65 ]. Hence, the pitavastatin–PLGA complex has been proposed as a therapeutic strategy for postischemic remodeling of the left ventricle in the case of CAD [ 61 , 62 , 63 , 64 , 65 , 66 ] ( Table 4 ). Other studies have reported atorvastatin-induced improvement in left ventricular remodeling after acute myocardial infarction, through the interaction with collagen metabolism, such as with matrix metalloproteinases [ 67 , 68 ].…”

Dysregulation of mTOR Signaling after Brain Ischemia

“…Given these considerations, one of the most important targets in neuro-regenerative approaches after ischemia is the penumbra region. The duration of occlusion determines the severity of damage and the prognosis of the patients [ 100 ]. The number of surviving neurons after a stroke defines cerebral functional deficits.…”

Biomarker‐Responsive Nanosystems for Chronic Disease Theranostics

“…If the deterioration continues, atherosclerotic plaques rupture and can cause thrombosis, myocardial infarction, cerebral infarction, and other serious consequences. [177][178][179] Therefore, developing advanced techniques for early detection and theranostics of CVD-related changes such as atherosclerotic plaques and thrombosis are urgently needed. The pathological characteristics of CVD, such as low pH, high ROS levels, abnormal enzyme levels, lipid-rich necrotic core, extensive inflammatory cell infiltration, thin fibrous cap, and neovascularization, provide opportunities for developing nanodrugs with endogenous stimuli responsiveness/targetability for the diagnosis and treatment of CVD.…”