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. 2019 Aug 26;9(9):416. doi: 10.3390/biom9090416

The Therapeutic Potential of Nanoparticles to Reduce Inflammation in Atherosclerosis

Armita Mahdavi Gorabi 1,†, Nasim Kiaie 1,†, Željko Reiner 2, Federico Carbone 3,4, Fabrizio Montecucco 4,5, Amirhossein Sahebkar 6,7,8,*
PMCID: PMC6769786  PMID: 31455044

Abstract

Chronic inflammation is one of the main determinants of atherogenesis. The traditional medications for treatment of atherosclerosis are not very efficient in targeting atherosclerotic inflammation. Most of these drugs are non-selective, anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive agents that have adverse effects and very limited anti-atherosclerotic effects, which limits their systemic administration. New approaches using nanoparticles have been investigated to specifically deliver therapeutic agents directly on atherosclerotic lesions. The use of drug delivery systems, such as polymeric nanoparticles, liposomes, and carbon nanotubes are attractive strategies, but some limitations exist. For instance, nanoparticles may alter the drug kinetics, based on the pathophysiological mechanisms of the diseases. In this review, we will update pathophysiological evidence for the use of nanoparticles to reduce inflammation and potentially prevent atherogenesis in different experimental models.

Keywords: atherosclerosis, cardiovascular disease, nanoparticles, drug delivery, inflammation, immune system

1. Introduction

Atherosclerosis is a largely-investigated multifactorial disease. The pathophysiology of the disease has partially been attributed to changed immune system functions. Immune cells, including lymphocytes, macrophages and neutrophils, found in atherosclerotic lesions suggest an important role of inflammation in the development of atherosclerosis [1,2]. Furthermore, inflammation due to autoimmune processes and infectious diseases may precipitate the atherogenesis. The development of carriers precisely delivering the therapeutic compounds to the target sites is a major goal in the modern medicine. This approach may minimize the potential adverse effects and be more effective in treating the lesions. Among different approaches, drug delivery systems by nanoparticles may be very promising [3]. Nanoparticles have been used for actively targeting the atherosclerotic lesions [4]. In this review, we will update evidence on the role of nanoparticles for directly reducing inflammation in atherogenesis.

2. Treatments Targeting Inflammation in Atherogenesis

According to the “classical” pathophysiological view, atherosclerosis occurs because of lipid accumulation in the vessel wall. Nonetheless, according to the current view, atherosclerosis is a low-grade chronic inflammatory disease, in which the immune system plays a central role in the initiation, progress and stability of lesions [5,6,7]. The clinical manifestations are due to rupture/erosion of atherosclerotic plaques, which is followed by thrombosis, and eventually vessel lumen obstruction [8]. Inflammatory degrading enzymes, such as matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), which are released by immune cells, can favor plaque fissuring, erosion and instability [9,10]. Those mediators can be targeted by selective anti-inflammatory treatments both in primary and secondary prevention of CV diseases. The currently available therapeutic options for athero-prevention are directed towards reduction of classical risk factor, such as smoking, hypertension, and dyslipidemia. Statins were shown to inhibit the endogenous synthesis of cholesterol, primarily in the hepatic cells, but have also pleiotropic effects [11,12,13]. For instance, these drugs can enhance endothelial dysfunction, adhesion of leukocytes to the endothelium, infiltration of LDL particles into the sub-endothelial space [14,15,16].

Therefore, statins can act against cholesterol and non-specific atherosclerotic inflammation at the same time. Recently, some studies have indicated that the IL-1 signaling pathway can be a potential target of more selective anti-inflammatory drugs. In a clinical trial, treatment inhibiting this pathway with a monoclonal antibody against IL-1β (canakinumab) was investigated with promising results [17,18]. Another anti-inflammatory drug, methotrexate (MTX), which is used as anti-inflammatory drug in autoimmune inflammatory disorders, was suggested to decrease the risk of cardiovascular diseases in subjects who were in a prolonged inflammatory state [19,20]. MTX has also been shown to decrease macrophage recruitment to the vessel wall and to have beneficially effects on atherogenesis in experimental animals [21]. In spite of uncertainties concerning the mechanisms by which MTX might have effects on atherogenesis and its adverse effects, it has been reported that it can downregulate the synthesis of pro-inflammatory mediators and adhesion molecules and has effects on both endothelial and immune cells [14].

Although anti-inflammatory drugs have been associated with beneficial effects, systemic use of such drugs is limited because of their adverse effects, such as neutropenia, bone marrow suppression, and immunosuppression. Stimulation or inhibition of the inflammatory process may be beneficial but also harmful depending upon the phase of the atherosclerosis development [22]. It seems that further efforts are needed to come up with approaches, which would be beneficial but would modulate the immune system to minimize side effects. Of course, the ideal drug should be able to be effective in the majority of the different phases of atherogenesis. It was reported that resolvin E1 help in the resolution of inflammation, with beneficial effects on atherosclerotic plaques in both early and advanced stage of atherosclerotic disease [23]. However, another strategy can be controlling of the secretion or activation of agents utilized that might be involved in atherosclerotic lesions development and/or cardiovascular outcomes. Such strategies may consist of using glutamyl-modified compounds for controlling the high levels of gamma-glutamyl transferase (gGT) enzyme in atherosclerotic plaques [24], controlling the high cholesterol content of the lesions or modulation of the pathways involved in the transformation of monocytes/macrophages into foam cells in the vessel walls [25].

3. The Potential of Nanoparticles as to Prevent and Treat Atherosclerosis and Related Complications

In order to reduce adverse effects and improve comfortability of administration, researchers designed well-organized and targeted delivery approaches for anti-inflammatory agents, such as those that can be encapsulated into nanoparticles [26]. Various types of nanoparticles have been developed for drug delivery (Table 1). The properties and production techniques for a number of these compounds have already been characterized [27,28,29,30]. However, there are also some disadvantages and limitations for the clinical use. Nanoparticles are based upon limited possibilities to fully control their metabolism, since they are usually accumulated in the reticuloendothelial system (RES). In addition, they are known for the limited reproducibility, high price of production, particularly when multifunctional abilities are desired [27,31]. Nevertheless, characteristics of the nanoparticles can be controlled during their production that permits the optimization of the conjugated drug and the specificity of the target for nanoparticles [30,32]. When atherosclerosis is clinically manifested, nanoparticles conjugated with anti-inflammatory compounds could be an efficient approach to target pro-inflammatory mediators within atherosclerotic plaques, potentially minimizing adverse effects of the drugs [33,34]. Nanoparticles conjugated or loaded with anti-inflammatory drugs can modulate inflammatory and vascular cell functions. Simultaneously, nanoparticles can also be conjugated with substances used for plaque imaging, facilitating the identification of unstable atherosclerotic plaques. These multifunctional agents referred to as theranostics can target macrophage, integrin ανβ3 and VCAM-1 to deliver imaging and therapeutic agent specific sites of plaques [35]. Dextran-coated iron oxide nanoparticles, gold nanorods, carbon nanotubes, hyaluronic acid-polypyrrole nanoparticles, hybrid lipid-latex nanoparticles and liposomes are some examples of nanoparticles used for targeting macrophages and simultaneous delivery of drugs. Similarly, paramagnetic nanoparticles targeting integrin ανβ3 and magnetic microbubbles targeting VCAM-1 have been reported in the literature. Incorporation of antibodies such as CD11b and anti-VCAM1, or molecules such as dextran and mannose in theranostic agents for the targeting of macrophages in the plaque has also been reported [36]. Some similar approaches, using imaging techniques for featuring components of atherogenesis, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), optical imaging (OI), ultrasound and photoacoustic (US-PA), nuclear imaging based on single photon and positron emission tomography (SPECT, PET), and computed tomography (CT) are already under investigation [19,36,37,38,39,40]. Although the specificity of nanoparticle targeting has not been fully described, a number of suggestions has been developed. The changed hemodynamic forces at the sites of plaques development may be susceptible for the deposition of nanoparticles [41]. There are spaces between the endothelial cells that permit penetration of small particles [37]. In addition, immune cells may be involved in delivering nanoparticles to the sites of inflammation [42].

Table 1.

Recent findings on the application of nanoparticles in the therapy of atherosclerosis and related complications.

Nanoparticle Target Outcome Ref
siRNA
siRNA targeting CCR2 Monocytes,
macrophages.		 Reduction of atherosclerosis
Attenuated infarct inflammation, post-infarction left ventricular remodeling		 [51,52]
Sulphate-based nanoparticles
Nanoparticles loaded with fluorescein isothiocyanate and/or pioglitazone. Monocytes,
macrophages.		 Modified polarity of monocytes in the periphery. Decreased development of inflammatory macrophages.
Destabilized atherosclerotic plaque and rupture.		 [56]
Lipid-based nanoparticles
Lipid coated nanoparticles
loaded with MTX
 Macrophages, foam cells Decreased plaque coverage in the aortic arch [40]
Library of LDL mimicking nanoparticles loaded with GW3965 Monocytes and
Macrophages for reversing cholesterol efflux.		 Decreased total lipids in aortic macrophages. Decreased monocyte number. [66]
Lipid core nanoparticles
carrying MTX and/or PTX		 Macrophages Decreased size of the plaque and of intima area. Reduced number of macrophages in aortic lesions. Downregulation of MMP-9 and TNF-α. [20]
Liposomal nanoparticles loaded with prednisolone Macrophage lipid loading, ER stress and apoptosis Lipotoxicity [59]
Lipid core nanoparticles
carrying doxorubicin		 Macrophages Anti-inflammatory and anti-proliferating effects [60]
Liposomes presenting PS Macrophages Shift toward anti-inflammatory phenotype with consequent improvement of myocardial healing [65]
Glycosaminoglycan
Hyaluronan nanoparticles Atherosclerotic plaque, macrophages Decreased size of the atherosclerotic lesions.
Decreased macrophage number.
Increased collagen content.		 [58,67]
Other approaches
Nanoparticles loaded with
the EMMPRIN (extracellular matrix metalloproteinase inducer)
Ldlr, low density lipoprotein receptor) binding peptide AP-9.		 EMMPRIN Ameliorated heart contractility.
Decreased cardiac necrosis.
Decreased levels of MMP-2 and MMP-9		 [68]
Nanoparticles containing
IL-10 and targeting peptide collagen IV		 Collagen IV Reduced oxidative stress in lesions.
Stabilized atherosclerotic plaques.		 [69]
Magnetic microbubbles modified with P-selectin antibody Endothelial cells Leukocyte rolling [61]
Fumagillin nanoparticles Vasa vasorum Reduced neovascularization [62,63]
Iron oxide–cerium oxide core–shell nanoparticles Macrophages ROS scavenging with reduced atherosclerotic burden and improved myocardial healing [64]
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MTX, methotrexate; LDL, low-density lipoprotein; PTX, Paclitaxel; MMP, matrix metalloproteinase; TNF, tumor necrosis factor; IL-10, interleukin-10; ER, endothelial reticulum; ROS: Reactive oxygen species; PS: Phosphatidylserine.

After the administration of nanoparticles in vivo, a protein corona coats the nanoparticles, causing changes in their biological characteristics. Development of coating by protein corona is usually considered as the first phase in the nanoparticle sequestration by the RES. Different strategies have been developed to inhibit this event. Currently available approaches are based upon controlling the stiffness of nanoparticles, since deformable particles are less susceptible of being internalized by macrophages in RES in off-target sites [43,44]. Another approach is based upon functionalization and coatings of the protein corona by substances such as polyethylene glycol (PEG). It seems that PEG is an antifouling substance, which can affect the composition of the protein corona [45]. In addition, PEG can stimulate immune response, but it needs the addition of some other functionalizing compounds such as ganglioside which can attenuate the immunogenicity of PEGylated liposomes while preserving their therapeutic efficacy [46]. Peptides can also be considered as potential coating compounds (zwitterionic peptides) to minimize the serum-protein adsorption effect [47]. Another example are aptamer-like peptides, used to enrich the protein corona with specific compounds in the biological fluids. When favorably organized, these molecules might be promising [48]. Such methods might ensure an increased half-life for nanoparticles in the biological fluids.

Nanoparticles can be also activated via radiofrequency or photothermal energy. For instance, a potential application for inhibiting macrophages was represented by laser pulse excitation of iron oxide nanoparticles layered with dextran and gold within cells. Nanoparticles were investigated also for potential photothermolysis as well as MRI [49]. The same technique was evaluated in a clinical trial, in which nanoparticles were constructed as silica shells coated with gold. Magnetic nanoparticles were administered into atherosclerotic plaques using on-artery patch or magnetic orienting technique. Nanoparticle deterioration through a near-infrared (NIR) laser resulted in a remarkable decrease in the size of atherosclerotic plaques and the event free survival of the clinical follow-up showed a significantly lower risk of cardiovascular death in the group which received nanoparticles when compared to controls [50].

The gene regulation approach has also been hypothesized to be useful in the prevention and therapy of atherosclerosis when using nanoparticles. In a study, small interfering RNA (siRNA)-loaded nanoparticles were used to downregulate the expression of C–C chemokine receptor type 2 (CCR-2), which is involved in the infiltration of inflammatory monocytes to the sites of both atherosclerotic plaque and ischemic myocardial injury [51,52]. Photon and positron emission (PET) signaling was decreased from 89Zr-labeled dextran nanoparticles when compared with the mice administered with other siRNAs [53]. Furthermore, when microRNA-712 (targeting VCAM-1) was delivered by cationic lipid nanoparticles to ApoE−/− mice, there was a downregulation of the tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 3 (TIMP3) gene. The administration of the nanoparticles resulted in slowing down of the plaque progression [54]. Similarly, the silencing of Src homology region 2 domain-containing tyrosine phosphatase-1 (SHP-1) in cardiomyocytes suppress their apoptosis under hypoxia [55].

Another approach could be inhibiting the infiltration of monocytes to the site of the atherosclerotic plaques as well as blocking their transformation into macrophages. Nanoparticles conjugated with pioglitazone, which is an agonist of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPARγ) and is involved in the regulation of the fatty acids, could modulate the differentiation of macrophages. Such nanoparticles were evaluated in the ApoE−/− mice on a high fat diet (HFD) and treated with angiotensin II, leading to a monocyte-mediated inflammation. Two days after administration of nanoparticles, the balance of non- and pro-inflammatory monocytes was favorably changed—mainly towards non-inflammatory macrophages. Atherosclerotic plaques were more stable and the rupture risk was decreased [29,56]. The ability of MTX-loaded nanoparticles to prevent the development of an inflammatory state was also reported [40]. Nanoparticles were selectively absorbed by macrophages in the lipid-rich plaques. On the other side, in the ApoE−/− mice fed with HFD diet and to whom MTX-conjugated nanoparticles were administered, there were much less atherosclerotic lesions in the aortic arch and even more effective was the treatment when MTX was combined with etoposide [20,57]. The combination of MTX with different other bioactive agents has been analyzed as well. The combination of MTX-conjugated nanoparticles and paclitaxel-conjugated LDL-mimicking nanoparticles was investigated [20]. There was a reduction in the atherosclerotic lesion size and improving of the intima thickness in the New Zealand white rabbits on atherogenic diet when they were administered with MTX-conjugated nanoparticles and paclitaxel-conjugated LDL-mimicking nanoparticles. Similar cytotoxic effects were also reported for other compounds used in chemotherapy therapies such as glucocorticoid and doxorubicin [58,59,60]. It seems that the beneficial effects of this combination were achieved because of decreased function of the macrophages and that the use of combined chemotherapy in nanoparticles can achieve stronger effects on highly inflamed atherosclerotic lesions.

Nonetheless, such drugs are burdened by a non-specific systemic decrease of macrophage with consequent risk of infections. Non-ablation approaches targeting macrophage functionality have then developed to reduce side effects. Magnetic microbubbles conjugated with P-selectin are effective in the early phase of atherosclerosis, when the shear stress generates fatty streaks [61]. Similarly, targeting angiogenesis may prevent systemic complications. Integrin-targeted paramagnetic nanoparticles loading with fumagillin are effective in stabilizing or even regressing atherosclerotic plaque trough suppressing vasa vasorum expansion [62,63]. Another approach to prevent atherosclerotic complications and progression of ischemic myocardial injury relies on reactive oxidative species scavenging nanoparticles [64]. The use of phosphatidylserine (PS)-presenting liposome was shown to provide additional benefit in post-myocardial infarction injury by down-regulating macrophage activation. Being typically expressed on apoptotic cells, PS triggers a “non-inflammatory” clearance by macrophage with prevalent secretion of tumor growth factor-β and interleukin-10 instead of tumor necrosis factor-α [65]. (Table 1) (Figure 1).

Figure 1.

Figure 1

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Studies on nanoparticles in atherosclerosis cover different steps of atherosclerotic disease from the early development of fatty streaks to the athero-thrombotic consequences. Current approaches mainly involve endothelial cells, extracellular matrix and especially macrophage recruitment and function. CCR: C-C chemokine receptor; IL-interleukin; ROS: Reactive oxygen species.

4. Future Perspectives in the Application of Nanoparticles in the Prevention and Treatment of Atherosclerosis

The use of nanoparticles to deliver anti-inflammatory substances has been recently investigated, suggesting promising results. A number of clinical trials is evaluating the application of nanoparticles and anti-inflammatory substances to reduce the number and size of atherosclerotic plaques or to stabilize them. Nevertheless, further basic research seems to be necessary to learn more about the underlying functional mechanisms of the nanoparticles. This is necessary to encourage more well-designed clinical trials, which would use anti-inflammatory drugs and nanoparticles to prevent or treat atherosclerosis. Novel strategies that look promising are those on mechanisms of interaction between immune cells and nanoparticles, especially with respect to the fate of nanoparticles as well as their components after deposition at site of atherosclerotic lesions and the effects on immune cells. Such studies will hopefully help constructing nanoparticles tailored for specific accumulation and controlled activation of the delivered substance. On the other side, the exact quality and quantity of nanoparticles absorption by immune cells has not been fully understood. There are various absorption pathways in similar phenotypes of immune cells [70], and the exocytosis of immune cells which is significant in the removal of nanoparticles with drugs and contrast substances from the body in still unclear [71]. In the meantime, a number of animal models have been designed, which simulate various phases of atherosclerosis development [72,73].

5. Conclusions

Atherosclerosis is a disease which cannot be easily detected with the available imaging techniques in the initial steps of development. Currently available therapeutic strategies are aimed at the systemic, but not local and targeted, prevention and treatment of atherosclerosis. All of them have limited efficacy and some adverse effects. Targeted delivery of diagnostic contrast substances or therapeutic drugs by nanoparticles to sites of incipient atherosclerotic lesions is considered to be a sophisticated strategy for the diagnosis as well as prevention and therapy of atherosclerosis. Targeted delivering approach using nanoparticles can promote the stability and bioavailability of the drugs, improve the detection sensitivity, enhance the therapeutic efficacy, improve the pharmacokinetics of the drugs, and reduce the adverse systemic side effects. Nevertheless, there are still a number of drawbacks in such nanoparticles with respect to stability, structure design, toxicity, targeting efficacy, and production, requiring optimization to devise nanoparticle-based therapeutic/diagnostic approaches for atherosclerosis that are clinically favorable. Application of porous compounds combined with imaging agents is an interesting option and studies in the future need to concentrate on enhancing its stability and efficacy in vitro and in-vivo. It has to be emphasized that possible beneficial effects of nanoparticles have largely been obtained from the in vitro experiments and experiments using animal models. Therefore, it will be a challenging effort to translate the results of these studies into possible clinical use. Current nanoparticle-based strategies have mainly focused on the anti-inflammatory effects by targeting the development of macrophages/foam cells as well as the recruitment of monocytes to the atherosclerotic plaques. However, gene-therapy, monoclonal antibodies, and combination therapies can be promising if merged with the potential beneficial use of nanoparticles. Moreover, multifunctional nanoparticles can be developed that could facilitate the imaging and targeted delivery of drugs in humans, i.e., in a clinical setting. Although the application of nanoparticle technology in the prevention and treatment of atherosclerosis is an emerging field, the progresses and the results obtained so far have been promising. This might open new horizons in the therapy of atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases.

Abbreviations

ApoE−/− apolipoprotein E(Apoe) knockout
CCR C-C chemokine receptor
CT computed tomography
CV cardiovascular
ER endothelial reticulum
gGT gamma-glutamyl transferase
HFD high fat diet
IL-10 interleukin-10
LDL low-density lipoprotein
Ldlr low density lipoprotein receptor
MMP matrix metalloproteinase
MMP matrix metalloproteinase
MRI magnetic resonance imaging
MTX methotrexate
NIR near-infrared
OI optical imaging
PEG polyethylene glycol
PET positron emission tomography
PPARγ peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor
PS phosphatidylserine
PTX Paclitaxel
RES reticuloendothelial system
ROS Reactive oxygen species
SHP-1 Src homology region 2 domain-containing tyrosine phosphatase-1
siRNA small interfering RNA
SPECT single photon emission tomography
TIMP3 tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 3
TNF tumor necrosis factor
US-PA ultrasound and photoacoustic
VCAM-1 vascular cell adhesion molecule 1
Zr Zirconium
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Funding

This study received no external funding.

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

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