Mechanism and Efficacy of Using Polymeric Nanoparticles for Treating Atherosclerosis
Friday, December 13, 2024
1:00 PM-3:00 PM
BIOMED PhD Thesis Defense
Title:
Mechanism and Efficacy of Using 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, a leading cause of cardiovascular disease, is characterized by the accumulation of lipid-laden macrophages (foam cells) in response to modified lipoproteins. As the disease progresses, advanced plaques can restrict or block blood flow, leading to severe cardiovascular complications such as heart attack and stroke. Despite the use of lipid-lowering and antiplatelet therapies, there remains a critical need for direct therapeutic strategies that can reduce plaques while simultaneously addressing the inflammatory and oxidative stress microenvironment. This study explores the potential of polysaccharide-based nanoparticles (NPs) for the treatment of atherosclerosis. We demonstrate that these nanoparticles promote cholesterol efflux from lipid-laden macrophages through the activation of multiple pathways, including ABCA1, SR-B1, and autophagy induction. Additionally, we show that apoA1 and apoE contribute to NP-mediated cholesterol efflux.
By encapsulating curcumin within the NPs (CNPs), we enhanced their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. In vivo experiments in an atherosclerotic mouse model confirmed that NPs specifically target atherosclerotic plaques, resulting in reduced plaque size, stabilized plaques, and decreased inflammation, oxidative stress, and hypertriglyceridemia. Safety assessments conducted in vitro and in vivo confirm the safety of NPs and CNPs. These findings suggest that NPs and CNPs have potential as novel therapies for atherosclerosis, addressing both cholesterol efflux and the underlying inflammatory and oxidative processes.
Contact Information
Natalia Broz
njb33@drexel.edu