Nanoparticle theranostics in cardiovascular inflammation.

Theranostics, literally derived from the combination of the words diagnostics and therapy, is an emerging field of clinical and preclinical research, where contrast agents, drugs and diagnostic techniques are combined to simultaneously diagnose and treat pathologies. Nanoparticles are extensively employed in theranostics due to their potential to target specific organs and their multifunctional capacity. In this review, we will discuss the current state of theranostic nanomedicine, providing key examples of its application in the imaging and treatment of cardiovascular inflammation.

Modulating Lipoprotein Transcellular Transport and Atherosclerotic Plaque Formation in ApoE Mice via Nanoformulated Lipid-Methotrexate Conjugates.

Macrophage inflammation and maturation into foam cells, following the engulfment of oxidized low-density lipoproteins (oxLDL), are major hallmarks in the onset and progression of atherosclerosis. Yet, chronic treatments with anti-inflammatory agents, such as methotrexate (MTX), failed to modulate disease progression, possibly for the limited drug bioavailability and plaque deposition. Here, MTX-lipid conjugates, based on 1,2-distearoyl--glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine (DSPE), were integrated in the structure of spherical polymeric nanoparticles (MTX-SPNs) or intercalated in the lipid bilayer of liposomes (MTX-LIP).