Dual-targeted nanoparticles with removing ROS inside and outside mitochondria for acute kidney injury treatment

Mitochondrial oxidative stress and inflammation are the main pathological features of acute kidney injury (AKI). However, systemic toxicity of anti-inflammatory drugs and low bioavailability of antioxidants limit the treatment of AKI. Here, the lipid micelle nanosystem modified with l-serine was designed to improve treatment of AKI. The micelle kernels coating the antioxidant drug 4-carboxybutyl triphenylph-osphine bromide-modified curcumin (Cur-TPP) and quercetin (Que). In the cisplatin (CDDP)-induced AKI model, the nanosystem protected mitochondrial structure and improved renal function. Compared to mono-targeted group, the mitochondrial ROS content of renal tubular epithelial cells acting in the dual-target group decreased about 1.66-fold in vitro, serum creatinine (Scr) and urea nitrogen (BUN) levels were reduced by 1.5 and 1.2 mmol/L in vivo, respectively. Mechanistic studies indicated that the nanosystem inhibited the inflammatory response by interfering with the NF-κB and Nrf2 pathways. This study provides an efficient and low-toxicity strategy for AKI therapy.