Heart diseases are killing close to 18 million people every year, says the World Health Organisation (WHO). Out of the different heart related ailments, atherosclerosis plays a major contributory role.
Atherosclerosis, the buildup of plaque in arteries, is a leading cause of heart disease and stroke. In this condition, plaque, composed of fat, cholesterol, and other substances, builds up in the arteries, narrowing and hardening them. This restricts blood flow, increasing the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and peripheral artery disease. Over time, the plaque can rupture, causing blood clots that may block arteries completely. The condition often develops slowly and may not show symptoms until arteries are significantly narrowed or blocked thus necessitating more specific treatment methods.
However, traditional methods like angiography and stress tests often detect atherosclerosis only after significant plaque buildup has occurred. Hence, advanced technology is critical for improving both the diagnosis and treatment of this condition.
Less invasive and more targeted treatment is the need of the hour to treat a stealthy disease like atherosclerosis. Developments in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning are helping doctors predict the progression of atherosclerosis, personalizing treatments based on patient-specific data. Wearable technology and telemedicine also enable continuous monitoring of heart health, catching early signs of trouble before they escalate.
In the similar line, scientists at Singapore have harnessed the power of nanotechnology to diagnose and treat atherosclerosis.
“The incidence of atherosclerosis-related conditions has been rising steadily over the past three decades, and particularly in younger populations. The increase is driven by lifestyle factors such as unhealthy diets, lack of exercise, smoking, and alcohol consumption,” researchers at the National University of Singapore, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine have said as they develop nanoparticle technology for targeted diagnosis and treatment of atherosclerosis.
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The findings of the study have been published in the journal Small.
“Commonly used methods for imaging atherosclerotic plaques include techniques like intravascular ultrasound, coronary angiography, computed tomography angiography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). However, these methods have limitations in resolution, invasiveness, and most importantly, the ability to deliver targeted therapies,” the researchers have said as they release the results of the groundbreaking study.
How does this work?
“The newly developed nanoparticle can diagnose atherosclerosis, target atherosclerotic plaques, and deliver therapeutic agents directly to inhibit the progression of atherosclerosis in the preclinical models,” the team has said.
The nanoparticles work by breaking down specifically in the acidic environment of atherosclerotic plaques. In this process, it released gadolinium which helps in real-time imaging of plaque severity and releases Simvastatin, a water-insoluble drug with anti-inflammatory properties and anti-ROS (reactive oxygen species) properties that contribute to plaque stabilisation and treatment. Hence, reduces the risk of cardiovascular events.