Clodronate-nintedanib-loaded exosome-liposome hybridization enhances the liver fibrosis therapy by inhibiting Kupffer cell activity

Biomater Sci. 2022 Feb 1;10(3):702-713. doi: 10.1039/d1bm01663f.

Abstract

Liver fibrosis therapy remains limited due to the inefficiency of drug delivery and inflammation induced by Kupffer cells. In this study, an exosome-liposome hybrid drug delivery system (LIEV) was developed to increase the efficacy of clodronate (CLD)-inhibition of Kupffer cells and to effectively deliver nintedanib (NIN) to liver fibroblasts to ensure enhanced anti-fibrosis therapy. CLD and NIN co-loaded LIEV (CLD/NIN@LIEV) exerted non-specific inhibition of phagocytosis by Kupffer cells, reduced inflammatory cytokines, and showed homologous homing properties mediated by fibroblast-derived exosomes, thereby achieving superior antifibrotic effects in a CCl4-induced fibrosis mouse model by inhibiting the proliferation of fibroblasts. Furthermore, the inhibited Kupffer cells regenerated within 10 days after dosage withdrawal. Unlike carrier-free NIN treatment, CLD/NIN@LIEV induced a marked decrease in liver enzymes, indicating improved safety and anti-fibrosis efficacy. These results indicate its great potential for treatment with the combined anti-fibrosis agent and Kupffer cell inhibition strategies to enhance the liver fibrosis therapy.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Clodronic Acid / pharmacology
  • Exosomes*
  • Fibrosis
  • Indoles
  • Kupffer Cells* / pathology
  • Liposomes
  • Liver / pathology
  • Liver Cirrhosis / drug therapy
  • Liver Cirrhosis / pathology
  • Mice

Substances

  • Indoles
  • Liposomes
  • Clodronic Acid
  • nintedanib