Muscle-targeted nanoparticles strengthen the effects of small-molecule inhibitors in ameliorating sarcopenia.

Sarcopenia is an aging-related degeneration of muscle mass and strength. Small-molecule inhibitor SW033291 has been shown to attenuate muscle atrophy. Targeted nanodrug-delivery systems can improve the efficacy of small-molecule inhibitors. The skeletal muscle cell-targeted nanoparticle was called AP@SW033291, which consisted of SW033291, modular peptide ASSLNIAGGRRRRRG and PEG-DSPE. Nanoparticles were featured with particle size, fluorescence emission spectra and targeting ability. We also investigated their effects on muscle mass and function. The size of AP@SW033291 was 125.7 nm and it demonstrated targeting effects on skeletal muscle; thus, it could improve muscle mass and muscle function. Nanoparticle AP@SW033291 could become a potential strategy to strengthen the treatment effects of small-molecule inhibitors in sarcopenia.