title: Liposome technology for cardiovascular disease treatment and diagnosis.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Over the past several decades, liposomes have been used in a variety of applications, from delivery vehicles to cell membrane models. In terms of pharmaceutical use, they can offer control over the release of active agents encapsulated into their lipid bilayer or aqueous core, while providing protection from degradation in the body. In addition, liposomes are versatile carriers, because targeting moieties can be conjugated on the surface to enhance delivery efficiency. It is for these reasons that liposomes have been applied as carriers for a multitude of drugs and genetic material, and as contrast agents, aimed to treat and diagnose cardiovascular diseases.
  
  
  METHODS
  This review details advancements in liposome technology used in the field of cardiovascular medicine. In particular, the application of liposomes to cardiovascular disease treatment and diagnosis, with a focus on delivering drugs, genetic material and improving cardiovascular imaging, will be explored. Advances in targeting liposomes to the vasculature will also be detailed.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Liposomes may provide the means to deliver drugs and other pharmaceutical agents for cardiovascular applications; however, there is still a vast amount of research and clinical trials that must be performed before a formulation is brought to market. Advancements in targeting abilities within the body, as well as the introduction of theranostic liposomes, capable of both delivering treating and imaging cardiac diseases, may be expected in the future of this burgeoning field.
authors.affiliation: McGill University, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Montréal, Québec, H3A 1A4, Canada.
authors.forename: Kristen
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Bowey
authors.forename: Jean-François
authors.initials: JF
authors.lastname: Tanguay
authors.forename: Maryam
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Tabrizian
mesh_terms: D002317:Cardiovascular Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy*; D003287:Contrast Media / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations / Q000008:administration & dosage; D004337:Drug Carriers / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D018014:Gene Transfer Techniques; D006801:Humans; D008081:Liposomes
chemical_list: D002317:Cardiovascular Agents; D003287:Contrast Media; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D004337:Drug Carriers; D008081:Liposomes