Ultrasmall Fe(III)-Tannic Acid Nanoparticles To Prevent Progression of Atherosclerotic Plaques
Dan Mu, Wenshen Wang, Jianhui Li, Pin Lv, Renyuan Liu, Ying Tan, Chongxia Zhong, Yu Qi, Xuan Sun, Yihai Liu, Song Shen, Yuyu Li, Biao Xu, Bing Zhang
Abstract
Macrophage accumulation is central to the pathogenesis of atherosclerotic plaques. Reducing macrophages in plaques is an appealing approach to attenuate the development of atherosclerosis. Chemodynamic therapy, specifically inhibiting hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-rich cells in slightly acidic microenvironment, has emerged as a new method in tumor treatment. Herein, we manufactured ultrasmall dopamine-modified hyaluronic acid (HD)-stabilized Fe(III)-tannic acid nanoparticles (HFTNPs). HFTNPs can specifically accumulate in inflammatory macrophages in atherosclerotic plaques, provide brighter magnetic resonance images, promote reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, and induce the death of inflammatory macrophages without damaging normal cells and tissues. In conclusion, HFTNPs have a tremendous potential as safe and effective diagnostic and therapeutic reagents for atherosclerosis.