Nanoparticulate carriers for the treatment of coronary restenosis

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Authors: Luis Brito, Mansoor Amiji

Published Date August 2007 Volume 2007:2(2) Pages 143 - 161

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.2147/IJN.S

Luis Brito, Mansoor Amiji

Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA

Abstract: The current treatment for coronary restenosis following balloon angioplasty involves the use of a mechanical or a drug-eluting stent. Despite the high usage of commercially-available drug-eluting stents in the cardiac field, there are a number of limitations. This review will present the background of restenosis, go briefly into the molecular and cellular mechanisms of restenosis, the use of mechanical stents in coronary restenosis, and will provide an overview of the drugs and genes tested to treat restenosis. The primary focus of this article is to present a comprehensive overview on the use of nanoparticulate delivery systems in the treatment of restenosis both in-vitro and in-vivo. Nanocarriers have been tested in a variety of animal models and in human clinical trials with favorable results. Polymer-based nanoparticles, liposomes, and micelles will be discussed, in addition to the findings presented in the field of cardiovascular drug targeting. Nanocarrier-based delivery presents a viable alternative to the current stent based therapies.

Keywords: coronary restenosis, stents, nanoparticulate carriers, liposomes, polymeric nanoparticles, micelles, drug delivery, gene therapy