Mechanism and Efficacy of Polymeric Nanoparticles for Treating Atherosclerosis

Tuesday, December 12, 2023

1:00 PM-3:00 PM

BIOMED PhD Research Proposal

Title:
Mechanism and Efficacy of Polymeric Nanoparticles for Treating Atherosclerosis

Speaker:
Yao Zhao, PhD Candidate
School of Biomedical Engineering, Science and Health Systems
Drexel University

Advisor:
Yinghui Zhong, PhD
Professor
School of Biomedical Engineering, Science and Health Systems
Drexel University
 
Details:
Atherosclerosis (AS) is a chronic disease characterized by the progressive buildup of plaque within the walls of arteries. It is the major underlying cause of various cardiovascular diseases, including heart attacks, strokes, and peripheral artery disease. The formation of atherosclerosis involves a complex interplay of various factors, including endothelial dysfunction, lipid accumulation, inflammation, and immune responses. Foam cells play a critical role in the development and progression of atherosclerosis. Foam cells are formed when macrophages ingest excessive amounts of cholesterol especially oxidized low-density lipoprotein (LDL) particles. Cholesterol efflux from macrophage foam cells has been found to be inversely correlated with coronary artery disease (CAD), which is the major cause of heart attack and heart failure.

Inflammation is another important therapeutic target for atherosclerosis. It plays a central role in all phases of atherosclerotic process, including initiation, progression, plaque destabilization/rupture, and thrombus formation. We have developed novel biomaterial-based nanoparticles (NPs) that demonstrate excellent cholesterol efflux capacity. In this study, we propose to (1) investigate the biological mechanism(s) that mediate NP-induced cholesterol efflux effect, (2) evaluate therapeutic efficacy of the NPs in treating atherosclerosis in vivo, and (3) develop drug-loaded multifunctional NPs to effectively treat atherosclerosis.

Contact Information

Natalia Broz
njb33@drexel.edu