Nanodrones to prevent heart attack

Nanoparticles that once loaded remove the fatty plaques that promote heart attack

Drones to prevent heart attack?

According to scientists at Columbia University and Harvard (USA), nanodrones could

become a new way to prevent heart attacks.

The research published in Science Translational Medicine, have tested these

biodegradable nanoparticles loaded with a molecule that destroys fat in mice with
advanced atherosclerosis and the results have been very positive. The nanoparticles
were designed so that they went to the hot spots of atherosclerosis in the arteries and
slowly released the drug. Thus damage to the arteries of the animals was repaired.

Atherosclerosis is triggered by inflammation as a normal repair response of the

organism; that is, fat-containing particles (called low density lipoprotein or LDL) that
stick to our arteries acting as chips on our skin. But while the skin is repaired by
eliminating the chips, deposits of LDL can remain indefinitely and in these hot spots of
the arteries is where the stroke occurs: the fatty plaques tend to rupture and, in doing so,
blood clots that block the blood flow to the heart are formed.

Inflammation

Many researchers are trying to develop drugs to prevent attacks mitigating heart
inflammation, but this approach has some drawbacks, says researcher of Columbia, Ira
Tabas.

Atherosclerosis is a chronic disease, so drugs should be taken for years, even decades.
In addition, an anti-inflammatory drug that is distributed throughout the body could
also damage the immune system's ability to fight infection.
But the use of this approach to prevent a heart attack can be more dangerous than
beneficial.

Columbia researcher Gabrielle Fredman adds:

Atherosclerosis is not only inflammation; there is also damage to the arterial wall and,
if the damage is not repaired, you may be unable to prevent heart attacks.
The nanoparticles used in this research -created by Omid Farokhzad biotechnologists
and Nazila Kamaly, of Harvard - are specifically designed to adhere to areas of arteries
that have been damaged by atherosclerotic plaques.

Although atherosclerotic plaques in mice closely resemble those of humans, mice do not
have heart attacks, so the true 'litmus test' of nanoparticles will be when tested in
humans.
For now, said Tabas:

We have demonstrated for the first time a drug that promotes resolution of inflammation
and repair is a viable option when the drug is administered directly to the plates
through nanoparticles.

The real 'litmus test' of nanoparticles will be when tested in humans

This type of nanoparticles are being used in clinical trials for cancer, but still must
demonstrate long-term safety. Also under investigation on the amendment of the
particles so they can be taken orally, rather than injection.

Meanwhile, the best way to prevent a heart attack remains the control of LDL or 'bad'
through diet, exercise, weight control and, if necessary, medication.

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Publicado 23rd February 2015 por Jorge Garca