Title:Nanomedicine in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Atherosclerosis-A Systematic Review
Volume: 17
Issue: 2
Author(s): Kannan Vaidyanathan*Sandhya Gopalakrishnan
Affiliation:
- Department of Biochemistry, Pushpagiri Institute of Medical Science & Research Center, Tiruvalla, Kerala 689 101,India
Keywords:
Atherosclerosis, biomarkers, drug delivery systems, imaging, nanomedicine, nanocarriers, nanoparticles,
theranostics.
Abstract: Background: Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory condition causing very high
morbidity and mortality. It is characterized by accumulation of plaques within arteries.
Nanomedicine is an emerging field of medicine utilizing nanotechnology for advanced imaging and
therapy. Nanomedicine has led to significant developments in the field of cardiovascular diseases,
including atherosclerosis. Many nanoformulations have been developed with anti-atherosclerotic
effects. Nanomedicine tools have been used in the imaging of atherosclerosis. Various nanocarriers
have been employed for successful localization in atherosclerotic lesions. The biggest challenge for
such delivery vehicles has been localization to atherosclerosis lesions. Several strategies have been
employed to overcome these defects. Strategies have also been developed for stabilization of
atherosclerotic lesions.
Conclusion: Nanotechnology is also an important tool for the development of novel biomarkers. At
the same time there are also potential limitations. Toxicity, lack of translation from preclinical
phase to clinical development, and the inability to address the chronic phase of atherosclerosis are
the most important among them. Future toxicity studies shall enlighten us further on this exciting
research area.
