Background:
Humanin is a novel neuronal peptide that has displayed potential in the treatment
of Alzheimer’s Disease through the suppression of inflammatory IL-6 cytokine receptors. Such
receptors are found throughout the body, including the eye, suggesting its other potential applications.
Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of blindness in the developing world.
There is no cure for this disease, and current treatments have several negative side effects associated
with them, making finding other treatment options desirable.
Objective:
In this study, the potential applications in treating AMD for a more potent humanin derivative,
AGA-HNG, were studied.
Methods:
AGA-HNG was synthesized and encapsulated in chitosan Nanoparticles (NPs), which were
then characterized for their size, Encapsulation Efficiency (EE), and drug release. Their ability to suppress
VEGF secretion and protect against oxidative apoptosis was studied in vitro using ARPE-19 cells.
The chitosan NPs exhibited similar anti-VEGF properties and oxidative protection as the free protein
while exhibiting superior pharmaceutical characteristics including biocompatibility and drug release.
Results:
Drug-loaded NPs exhibited a radius of 346nm with desirable pharmacokinetic properties including
a stable surface charge (19.5 ± 3.7 mV) and steady drug release capacity. AGA-HNG showed
great promise in mediating apoptosis in hypoxic cells. They were also able to significantly reduce
VEGF expression in vitro with reduced cellular toxicity compared to the free drug.
Conclusion:
The ability of this drug delivery system to reduce retinal apoptosis with desirable pharmacokinetic
and biocompatible properties makes this a promising therapeutic option for AMD.
Eyes on 3D-Current 3D Biomimetic Disease Concept Models and Potential Applications in Age-Related Macular Degeneration
