Phragmites rhizoma polysaccharide-based nanocarriers for synergistic treatment of ulcerative colitis

The purpose of this study was to construct Phragmites rhizoma polysaccharide-based nano-drug delivery systems (PRP2-SeNPs-H/Aza-Lips) for synergistically alleviating ulcerative colitis and to investigate the important roles of Phragmites rhizoma polysaccharide-based nanocarriers in PRP2-SeNPs-H/Aza-Lips. Phragmites rhizoma poly-saccharide (PRP2) was isolated and used for the preparation of Phragmites rhizoma polysaccharide selenium nanoparticles with low selenium content (PRP2-SeNPs-L) and high selenium content (PRP2-SeNPs-H). Based on the electrostatic attraction between PRP2-SeNPs-H and azathioprine liposomes (Aza-Lips), PRP2-SeNPs-H/Aza-Lips were constructed for precise delivery of the model drug azathioprine (Aza) to colon lesions. Results showed that PRP2 significantly alleviated the clinical symptoms and colon tissue damage and down-regulated the levels of inflammatory factors in serum and colon, demonstrating beneficial effects on mice with ulcera-tive colitis. PRP2-SeNPs-L had better relieving effects on ulcerative colitis. Phragmites rhizoma polysaccharide -based nanocarriers may protect azathioprine liposomes against gastrointestinal digestion, enhance the thera-peutic effects on ulcerative colitis, and significantly reduce liver damage from azathioprine, which helps to improve the efficacy and toxicity of clinical drugs.

Automated summary

This study constructed nano-drug delivery systems based on Phragmites rhizoma polysaccharide, which effectively alleviated ulcerative colitis, and explored the significant roles of the Phragmites rhizoma polysaccharide-based nanocarriers in the drug delivery systems.