RGD-HSA-TAC nanoparticles targeted delivery of tacrolimus and attenuation of podocyte injury in diabetic kidney disease

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is a prevalent and severe complication of diabetes and plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis and progression of DKD. However, the current clinical application of the treatment

Compared to tacrolimus, SANPs and CNPs demonstrated superior therapeutic efficacy and a reduced incidence of adverse effects in the treatment of diabetic nephropathy.

We developed two RGD-HSA-TAC nanoparticles designed for targeted delivery of tacrolimus to podocytes. Administration of SANPs and CNPs resulted in elevated levels of tacrolimus in podocytes, leading to a reduction in podocyte damage and albuminuria in diabetic nephropathy mice. Furthermore, the use of SANPs and CNPs resulted in a decrease in tacrolimus accumulation in the pancreas, lymph nodes, and thymus, thereby reducing the potential to exacerbate hyperglycemia and infection. Importantly, compared to tacrolimus alone, both SANPs and CNPs demonstrated superior therapeutic efficacy, with CNPs exhibiting a greater advantage over SANPs. Conclusions: Compared to tacrolimus, SANPs and CNPs demonstrated superior therapeutic efficacy and a reduced incidence of adverse effects in the treatment of diabetic nephropathy.