| 초록 |
Macrophage-derived foam cells paly critical roles in the development of atherosclerosis. Thus, they are considered as important target biomarkers for atherosclerosis therapy. Our group has developed a macrophage mannose receptor (MMR)-targeted nanodrug loaded with lobeglitazone (MMR-Lobe). The MMR-Lobe had a high binding affinity to foam cells, and it could efficiently promote cholesterol efflux via LXRα, ABCA1, and ABCG1 pathways, and inhibit pro-inflammatory mediators. Using optical diffraction tomography, we identified lipid droplets in foam cells and quantitatively evaluated the therapeutic effects of MMR-Lobe. Also, long-term delivery of MMR-Lobe markedly reduced both plaque burden and inflammation in atherogenic mice without undesirable systemic effects. Furthermore, short-term treatment of MMR-Lobe showed a robust acute anti-inflammatory effect on inflamed plaque in coronary-sized arteries and shifted the plaque composition to a stable phenotype. |
