Treatment of Hepatic Fibrosis in Mice Based on Targeted Plasmonic Hyperthermia

Liver fibrosis is a major health problem with multiple associated complications, which, to date, has no effective treatment. Hepatic stellate cells are the main responsible cells for fibrosis formation; upon their activation, excess accumulation of extracellular matrix and collagen deposits occurs. The mitogen platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) and its receptor beta (PDGFR beta) play a major role in hepatic stellate cells activation and are, therefore, promising targets for antifibrotic therapies. Gold nanorods hold great potential for diseased liver treatments, since their passive hepatic accumulation enhances active targeting strategies, hence increasing therapeutic efficiency. In addition, gold nanorods have photothermal properties that, combined with specific cell delivery, can be exploited to induce localized near-infrared light-mediated thermal ablation. Here, we demonstrate that gold nanorods coated with anti-PDGFR beta specifically target activated hepatic stellate cells in vivo. Additionally, gold nanorods-PDGFR beta-mediated photothermal therapy decreases fibrosis, hepatic inflammation, and hepatocyte injury in the experimental model of CCl4-induced liver fibrosis in mice.

Automated summary

Liver fibrosis is a significant health issue with limited treatment options. Targeting hepatic stellate cells and using gold nanorods may be promising strategies for reducing fibrosis. Gold nanorods have shown potential in decreasing fibrosis, hepatic inflammation, and hepatocyte injury.