Lipid based nanocarriers for effective drug delivery and treatment of diabetes associated liver fibrosis

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a cluster of several liver diseases like hepatic steatosis, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), non-alcoholic fatty liver (NAFL), liver fibrosis, and cirrhosis which may eventually progress to liver carcinoma. One of the primary key factors associated with the development and pathogenesis of NAFLD is diabetes mellitus. The present review emphasizes on diabetes-associated development of liver fibrosis and its treatment using different lipid nanoparticles such as stable nucleic acid lipid nanoparticles, liposomes, solid lipid nanoparticles, nanostructured lipid carriers, self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery systems, and conjugates including phospholipid, fatty acid and steroid -based. We have comprehensively described the various pathological and molecular events linking effects of elevated free fatty acid levels, insulin resistance, and diabetes with the pathogenesis of liver fibrosis. Various passive and active targeting strategies explored for targeting hepatic stellate cells, a key target in liver fibrosis, have also been discussed in detail in this review. (c) 2021 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) encompasses a range of liver diseases that can progress to liver cancer, with diabetes mellitus being a key factor in its development. Liver fibrosis treatment involves the use of lipid nanoparticles, while the effects of elevated free fatty acids, insulin resistance, and diabetes on pathogenesis are also important considerations. Targeting hepatic stellate cells has been explored as a strategy for treating liver fibrosis.