A study of saponin-encapsulated ultrasound microbubbles Rb3NPs@MBs for atherosclerosis targeted treatment

Abstract

Atherosclerosis remains a leading disease posing significant threats to human health and life. Oxidative stress plays a critical role in the initiation of early atherosclerosis. Ginsenoside Rb₃ has been shown to exert potential therapeutic effects against atherosclerosis due to its antioxidant properties. However, its clinical utility remains constrained to the nanometer scale, offering insufficient targeting capability for atherosclerosis treatment. To address this limitation, we designed a novel Rb₃-loaded microbubble system Rb₃NPs@MBs. This microbubble system effectively encapsulates Rb₃ nanoparticles and, via ultrasound-targeted microbubble destruction (UTMD), facilitates their targeted accumulation in the aortic arch of atherosclerotic mice. Subsequently, Rb₃NPs@MBs reduce oxidative stress, attenuate endothelial cell apoptosis and foam cell formation, and ultimately diminish plaque development at the lesion site. This strategy holds promise as a therapeutic approach for atherosclerosis. These findings suggest that Rb₃NPs@MBs represent a promising therapeutic strategy for atherosclerosis.