Mesoscale nanoparticles encapsulated with emodin for targeting antifibrosis in animal models

Authors：Tan, Lishan; Deng, Xiulong; Lai, Xuandi; Zeng, Tao; Li, Aiqing^*; Hu, Jianqiang^*; Xiong, Zuying^*

Source：Open Chemistry, 2020, 18(1): 1207-1216.

DOI：10.1515/chem-2020-0163

• mesoscale nanoparticles
• emodin
• kidney-targeting
• anti-fibrosis
• UUO model

The aim of this study is to explore the kidney-targeting capability of mesoscale nanoparticles (MNPs)-emodin (Em-MNPs) and its potential antifibrosis in the animal model. First, MNPs and Em-MNPs were synthesized via nanoprecipitation method, and their diameters were both similar to 400 nm with the uniform size. The entrapment efficiency of MNPs was 45.1% when adding emodin at the concentration of 12 mg/mL. Moreover, cytotoxicity assay showed that Em-MNPs presented excellent biocompatibility in rat proximal tubular cells. Cellular uptake assay demonstrated that Em-MNPs had high-efficiency uptake, especially in the cytoplasm. Ex vivo organ fluorescence imaging revealed that Em-MNPs possessed specific kidney-targeting ability with relative long retention time in the kidney (similar to 24 h). In the renal unilateral ureteral obstruction model, Em-MNPs treatment could significantly alleviate kidney tubule injury and reduce extracellular matrix deposition compared with free MNPs. Herein, Em-MNPs with specific kidney-targeting and preferable antifibrosis effects in animal model may pave an avenue for treating renal diseases.

• Institution
  Peking University; Southern Medical University