A novel lipid-based drug carrier targeted to the non-parenchymal cells, including hepatic stellate cells, in the fibrotic livers of bile duct ligated rats.
In fibrotic livers, collagen producing hepatic stellate cells (HSC) represent a major target for antifibrotic therapies. We designed liposomes with surface-coupled mannose 6-phosphate (M6P) modified human serum albumin (HSA) to target HSC via the M6P receptor. In this study we determined the pharmacokinetics and target specificity of M6P-HSA-liposomes in a rat model of liver fibrosis. Ten minutes after injection of [(3)H]-M6P-HSA-liposomes 90% of the dose has cleared the circulation. The blood elimination of these liposomes was counteracted by free M6P-HSA and polyinosinic acid, a competitive inhibitor of scavenger receptors. The M6P-HSA-liposomes accumulated in HSC. However, also Kupffer cells and endothelial cells contributed to the uptake of M6P-HSA-liposomes in the fibrotic livers. Polyinosinic acid inhibited the accumulation of the liposomes in Kupffer cells and liver endothelial cells, but not in HSC. PCR analysis revealed that cultured HSC express scavenger receptors. This was confirmed by Western blotting, although activation of HSC diminishes scavenger receptor protein expression. In conclusion, in a rat model for liver fibrosis M6P-HSA-liposomes can be efficiently targeted to non-parenchymal cells, including HSC. M6P receptors and scavenger receptors are involved in the cellular recognition of these liposomes, allowing multiple pharmacological interference in different pathways involved in the fibrosis.
Adrian
Joanna E
JE
Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Medical Biology Section, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands.
Kamps
Jan A A M
JA
Scherphof
Gerrit L
GL
Meijer
Dirk K F
DK
van Loenen-Weemaes
Anne-miek
AM
Reker-Smit
Catharina
C
Terpstra
Peter
P
Poelstra
Klaas
K
D000818:Animals; D015153:Blotting, Western; D017931:DNA Primers; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems / Q000379:methods*; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D007728:Kupffer Cells / Q000378:metabolism; D008081:Liposomes / Q000378:metabolism / Q000493:pharmacokinetics* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008103:Liver Cirrhosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D008360:Mannosephosphates / Q000378:metabolism; D011069:Poly I / Q000378:metabolism; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction; D051381:Rats; D051116:Receptors, Scavenger / Q000378:metabolism; D012709:Serum Albumin / Q000378:metabolism; D014316:Tritium
D017931:DNA Primers; D008081:Liposomes; D008360:Mannosephosphates; D051116:Receptors, Scavenger; D012709:Serum Albumin; D014316:Tritium; D011069:Poly I