Enhanced macrophage polarization induced by COX-2 inhibitor-loaded Pd octahedral nanozymes for treatment of atherosclerosis

Inhibition of foam cell formation is considered a promising treatment method for atherosclerosis, the leading cause of cardiovascular diseases worldwide. However, currently available therapeutic strategies have shown unsatisfactory clinical outcomes. Thus, herein, we design aloperine (ALO)-loaded and hyaluronic acid (HA)-modified palladium (Pd) octahedral nanozymes (Pd@HA/ALO) that can synergistically scavenge reactive oxygen species (ROS) and downregulate cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression to induce macrophage polarization, thus inhibiting foam cell formation to attenuate atherosclerosis. Due to the targeted effect of HA on stabilin-2 and CD44, which are overexpressed in atherosclerotic plaques, Pd@HA/ALO can actively accumulate in atherosclerotic plaques. Subsequently, the antioxidative effects of Pd octahedral nanozymes are mediated by their intrinsic superoxide dismutase- and catalase-like activities capable of effective scavenging of ROS. In addition, anti-inflammatory effects are mediated by controlled, on-demand near-infrared-triggered ALO release leading to inhibition of COX-2 expression. Importantly, the combined therapy can promote the polarization of macrophages to the M2 subtype by upregulating Arg-1 and CD206 expression and downregulating expression of TNF- alpha, IL-1 ,B and IL-6, thereby inhibiting atherosclerosis-related foam cell formation. In conclusion, the presented in vitro and in vivo data demonstrate that Pd@HA/ALO enhanced macrophage polarization to reduce plaque formation, identifying an attractive treatment strategy for cardiovascular disease.(c) 2022 Published by Elsevier B.V. on behalf of Chinese Chemical Society and Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences.

Automated summary

Inhibition of foam cell formation is a promising treatment method for atherosclerosis. The authors designed Pd@HA/ALO nanozymes that can scavenge ROS and downregulate COX-2 expression to induce macrophage polarization, thus inhibiting foam cell formation. The nanozymes actively accumulate in atherosclerotic plaques and exhibit antioxidative and anti-inflammatory effects. The combined therapy also promotes macrophage polarization.