Inflammation of the arteries is a major factor in the development of cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of death in the United States. This inflammation is linked to the build-up of plaque inside the arteries, which can lead to blockages and potentially fatal events like heart attacks. Researchers at Michigan State University have been exploring new ways to target and reduce this inflammation in order to improve treatment options for patients. One promising approach they have tested is a nanoparticle nanotherapy infusion that specifically targets inflammation in the arteries and activates the immune system to help clear out plaque.
Bryan Smith, an associate professor at MSU, explains that there are two main types of plaque that can cause issues in the arteries. The first is when the artery becomes significantly blocked, leading to symptoms like chest pain, nausea, and dizziness. In these cases, doctors may need to insert a stent to improve blood flow. The second type of plaque is highly inflammatory, making it more likely to rupture and cause sudden blockages in other parts of the body, resulting in heart attacks. This type of plaque is particularly dangerous and challenging to treat.
Smith and his team, including researchers Yapei Zhang and Manisha Kumari, developed nanoparticles that are used in a nanotherapy infusion designed to target specific immune cells involved in the inflammatory process within the plaque. These treated cells are able to break down and remove parts of the plaque, reducing inflammation and potentially preventing blockages. Previous studies on mice and pigs have shown promising results, demonstrating the effectiveness of this targeted therapy without causing harmful side effects due to its precision immune targeting.
Using advanced imaging techniques like PET scans, the researchers were able to measure the impact of the nanotherapy infusion on the arteries of pigs. They observed a reduction in inflammation within the plaque, confirming the therapy’s effectiveness. Importantly, they also did not observe any unexpected side effects, indicating that the therapy is safe and well-tolerated. By successfully scaling up the production of the nanotherapy infusion to volumes suitable for human use, the researchers have taken a critical step towards translating this innovative approach into clinical trials for cardiovascular patients.
The findings of this research have been published in the journal Nature Communications, highlighting the potential of nanotherapy as a novel treatment for cardiovascular disease. By targeting inflammation in the arteries and promoting the immune system’s natural ability to clear out plaque, this approach could offer a safer and more effective alternative to current treatments. Further studies and clinical trials will be necessary to confirm the long-term benefits and safety of this nanotherapy infusion, but the early results are promising and could lead to significant advancements in cardiovascular care in the future.
