Erythrocyte-derived liposomes for the treatment of inflammatory diseases

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2022

Authors

Olival, A (Author) Other; Vieira, SF (Author) Other; Goncalves, VMF (Author) Other; Cunha, C (Author) Other; Tiritan M.E. (Author) FFUP; Carvalho, A (Author) Other; Rui Reis (Author) Other; Ferreira, H (Author) Other; Neves, NM (Author) Other

Journal

Title: Journal of Drug Targeting

Pages: 1-11

ISSN: 1061-186X

Publisher: Taylor & Francis

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 1 Citation

Scopus

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-00W-FH6

DOI: 10.1080/1061186x.2022.2066107

Abstract (EN): 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; approximate to 85% and 77%, respectively) and tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha; approximate to 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-alpha concentrations, demonstrating the EDLs potential to be used as bioactive carriers in the treatment of inflammatory diseases.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 11