Oral bomb effect nanotherapeutics alleviate ulcerative colitis through coordinated anti-inflammatory and pro-resolving strategies

Abstract

Background: Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a debilitating chronic inflammatory bowel disease, and current treatments primarily focus on suppressing inflammation with limited efficacy. However, the resolution of inflammation also plays a crucial role in UC prognosis. Combining anti-inflammatory and pro-inflammatory resolution interventions may be a promising approach for treating UC. Materials and methods: The nano-bomb nanoparticles were validated for their ability to load CD98 siRNA (siCD98) and Annexin A1-mimetic peptides (Ac2-26 peptides), as well as release CO₂ upon lysosomal escape. Surface modification with hyaluronic acid (HA) was assessed for its capability to target inflammatory tissues and cells. Biocompatibility and biosafety were evaluated through in vitro and in vivo studies. The anti-inflammatory and pro-resolving effects of siCD98@NPs and Ac2-26@NPs, both individually and in combination, were evaluated by measuring ROS production, pro-inflammatory cytokine expression, CD98 gene expression, and macrophage polarization. Results: These nanoparticles could efficiently load siCD98 and Ac2-26 peptides and release CO₂ under acidic pH in the endo/lysosome to deliver drugs to the cytoplasm. HA could effectively target the inflammatory tissue and cells, showing good biocompatibility and biosafety both in vitro and in vivo. siCD98@NPs and Ac2-26@NPs showed anti-inflammatory effects by eliminating the over-production of ROS and down-regulating the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α and IL-1β) and the CD98 gene; meanwhile, it showed pro-resolving function by inhibiting M0 to pro-inflammatory M1 macrophage conversion, with a more pronounced effect when combined with siCD98 and Ac2-26. The oral administration of chitosan-alginate hydrogel-encapsulated nanoparticles in UC model mice effectively alleviated inflammatory symptoms, reduced the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α and IL-1β) and the CD98 gene, restored intestinal barrier function, and promoted M1 to M2 polarization, with a more pronounced effect when combined. Conclusion: By combining anti-inflammatory and pro-resolution interventions, these nanoparticles offer a novel therapeutic approach. This study offered a new approach for combination therapy of UC.