Erythrocyte-derived liposomes for the treatment of inflammatory diseases

last updated: 2022-08-12
ProjectCells4_IDs :: publications list
TitleErythrocyte-derived liposomes for the treatment of inflammatory diseases
Publication TypePapers in Scientific Journals
Year of Publication2022
AuthorsOlival A., Vieira S. F., Gonçalves V. M. F., Cunha C., Tiritan M. E., Carvalho A., Reis R. L., Ferreira H., and Neves N. M.
Abstract

Effective and safe therapies to counteract persistent inflammation are necessary. We developed erythrocyte-derived liposomes (EDLs) with intrinsic anti-inflammatory activity. The EDLs were prepared using lipids extracted from erythrocyte membranes, which are rich in omega-3 fatty acids with several health benefits. Diclofenac, a widely used anti-inflammatory drug, was incorporated into EDLs in relevant therapeutic concentrations. The EDLs were also functionalised with folic acid to allow their active targeting of M1 macrophages, which are key players in inflammatory processes. In the presence of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated macrophages, empty EDLs and EDLs incorporating diclofenac were able to reduce the levels of important pro-inflammatory cytokines, namely interleukin-6 (IL-6; ~85% and 77%, respectively) and tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-a; ~64% and 72%, respectively). Strikingly, cytocompatible concentrations of EDLs presented similar effects to dexamethasone, a potent anti-inflammatory drug, in reducing IL-6 and TNF-a concentrations, demonstrating the EDLs potential to be used as bioactive carriers in the treatment of inflammatory diseases.

JournalJournal of Drug Targeting
Date Published2022-04-25
ISSN1029-2330
DOI10.1080/1061186X.2022.2066107
Keywordsactive targeting, Anti-inflammatory activity, Drug delivery, Erythrocytes, Inflammatory diseases, Liposomes
RightsembargoedAccess (1 Year)
Peer reviewedyes
Statuspublished

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