Chitosan-Based Nanoparticles Targeted Delivery System: In Treatment Approach for Dyslipidemia

Abstract

Hyperlipidemia, characterized by abnormally high lipid levels in the bloodstream, is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. Conventional treatments have limitations in efficacy and may lead to side effects. Nanotechnology offers unique advantages in drug delivery, including improved drug stability, prolonged circulation time, and enhanced tissue targeting. Using nanoparticles as carriers, therapeutic agents can be precisely delivered to the target site, such as the liver or arterial walls, where lipid metabolism occurs. Chitosan nanoparticles represent an advanced approach engineered with precision to target atherosclerotic plaques. They have dual functionalities, serving therapeutic and diagnostic purposes in managing atherosclerosis. Targeting strategies involve coating nanoparticles with ligands or antibodies that recognize specific receptors overexpressed in hyperlipidemic conditions. This selective uptake maximizes the therapeutic effect while minimizing off-target effects, making it a promising alternative to traditional treatments. The review provides an overview of recent research developments for managing dyslipidemia based on the molecular target pathway of dyslipidemia, focusing on Chitosan-based delivery systems that allow controlled drug release, targeting, and enhancing patient compliance.

Keywords: arterial wall targeting; atherosclerosis; dyslipidemia; hepatic drug targeting; lifestyle modification.

Figure 1

The preparation process, functionalization, and action mechanism of chitosan nanoparticles.

Figure 2

Schematic summary of pathways of endogenous lipid metabolism and pathways of atherogenic and anti-atherogenic lipoproteins. Reproduced from Talebi, S.; Bagherniya, M.; Atkin, S.L.; Askari, G.; Orafai, H.M.; Sahebkar, A. The Beneficial Effects of Nutraceuticals and Natural Products on Small Dense LDL Levels, LDL Particle Number and LDL Particle Size: A Clinical Review. Lipids Health Dis. 2020, 19, 1–21. Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.