Scientists from Michigan State University and Stanford University have developed an innovative nanoparticle that targets and removes harmful plaque from inside arteries, offering a potential new treatment for heart disease.
This tiny “Trojan Horse” particle works by attacking the core of plaques that lead to heart attacks, eating away the diseased and dead cells from the inside out.
Heart attacks are often caused by atherosclerosis, a condition where plaque builds up in the arteries, restricting blood flow. This new nanoparticle offers a way to address the problem at its root by stabilizing and reducing the plaques.
The research focuses on a type of immune cell called macrophages, which play a crucial role in the development of atherosclerosis.
Normally, macrophages clear away harmful debris in the body. However, in atherosclerosis, they become overwhelmed by dead and dying cells within plaques, which causes inflammation and plaque growth.
The researchers found a way to reactivate these macrophages using a nanoparticle delivery system. By sending specific small molecules inside the macrophages, the nanoparticle essentially “teaches” them to eat again, clearing out the dead and diseased cells that contribute to plaque buildup.
What makes this approach unique is its precision. Unlike earlier treatments that worked on the surface of cells, this method operates inside the macrophages, effectively reprogramming them from within.
The nanoparticle can selectively seek out the problematic cells and deliver its message without affecting healthy cells, minimizing potential side effects.
This breakthrough not only holds promise for treating atherosclerosis but could also have applications in other conditions where clearing cellular debris is essential.
The researchers are optimistic that their invention could significantly reduce the risk of heart attacks with minimal side effects, thanks to the precision and selectivity of the treatment.
Future clinical trials are planned to evaluate the nanoparticle’s safety and effectiveness in humans. The team has already filed a provisional patent and intends to market the technology later this year.
This discovery represents a significant step forward in heart disease treatment, offering hope for millions of people at risk of heart attacks.
By directly addressing the cause of plaque buildup, the nanoparticle could transform how atherosclerosis is treated and prevent life-threatening complications.
The study, led by Bryan Smith and colleagues, was published in Nature Nanotechnology.
If you care about heart health, please read studies that vitamin K helps cut heart disease risk by a third, and a year of exercise reversed worrisome heart failure.
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