| 초록 |
In this study, we developed hyaluronic acid (HA) and 5β-cholanic acid-based nanocarriers (HA-NCs) loaded with methotrexate (MTX) for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The HA-NCs are composed of HA for targeting the CD44-overexpressed inflamed synovial environment. Furthermore, HA-NCs have ketal linkage which can be broken down in response to mildly acidic conditions of RA. In in vitro study, we confirmed the MTX released from MTX-HA-NCs when exposed to acidic conditions. Also, MTX-free HA-NCs did not have cytotoxicity to RAW 264.7 cell. In in vivo biodistribution, when Cy5.5-labeled HA-NCs was systemically administered to collagen-induced arthritis mice, the HA-NCs were accumulated in RA lesion by receptor-mediated endocytosis. This biocompatible polymeric NCs have potential as a drug carrier that selectively releases MTX to diseased sites by pH-responsiveness. |
