Endovascular enriched stent: the use of nanoparticles for vascular pathogies?
Francesca BOCCAFOSCHI
(Università degli Studi del Piemonte Orientale)
Vascular pathologies are one of the main health problems in the Eastern countries. They are mainly related to loss of biomechanical properties and luminal occlusion due to vascular cells phenotype alterations and to a local inflammatory response which maintain altered the biological environment. The therapeutic approach may include the use of endovascular stent able to gradually release drugs able to counteract the biological deregulation and to regenerate a functional tissue.
Our studies focused on polymeric (PLA/PLGA) nanoparticles able to interact with vascular cells in order to optimize the use of the endovascular stent. In order to obtain a biological effect direct on the inhibition of smooth muscle cells proliferation, while maintaining the functional phenotype of both endothelial and smooth muscle cells, the nanoparticles are loaded with Sirolimus. The results obtained show a quick internalization of the nanoparticles by both vascular cells, with slight differences between endothelial and smooth muscle cells. In terms of biological effects, interesting results have been reached, particularly related to the control of cell proliferation in presence of Sirolimus-loaded nanoparticles.
Other approaches by the use of nanoparticles for vascular pathologies will be presented.
Financial support: PAR-FSC2013 INNOVAZIONE e TRANSIZIONE PRODUTTIVA – Interventi a sostegno dei Poli di Innovazione Progetto DESTiNi
