Abstract Body (Do not enter title and authors here): Background: Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) remains a therapeutic challenge despite the availability of various medications. Metformin can be able to treat PAH but is associated with significant side effects. This study aims to enhance the efficacy and safety of metformin through a novel drug delivery system using low-dose metformin encapsulated in pulmonary artery-targeted nanocapsules.
Methods: Metformin-loaded lung-targeted nanocapsules (MET nanocapsules) were synthesized using a specific lipid composition, including cationic lipids. The uptake and effects on cell viability were assessed in human pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells (hPASMCs) from both healthy individuals and PAH patients. The therapeutic efficacy of MET nanocapsules was evaluated in a rat model of PAH. Safety was confirmed via serum biochemical tests in rats.
Results: MET nanocapsules were successfully synthesized and demonstrated significant inhibition of PASMC proliferation. In the PAH rat model, MET nanocapsule treatment led to improved hemodynamic parameters, reduced right ventricular hypertrophy, and decreased pulmonary arterial medial thickening. Importantly, MET nanocapsules showed effective accumulation in the lungs of PAH rats.
Conclusions: Intravenous administration of MET nanocapsules represents a safe and innovative therapeutic approach for PAH. This targeted delivery system has the potential to improve treatment outcomes while minimizing side effects and may have broader applications for other forms of pulmonary hypertension.