Activation of the PPARγ/NF-κB pathway by A-MPDA@Fe3O4@PVP via scavenging reactive oxygen species to alleviate hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury†

Hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) is a common pathological process during hepatectomy and liver transplantation and the two primary reasons for hepatic IRI are reactive oxygen species (ROS)-mediated oxidative stress and excessive inflammatory responses. Herein, a novel antioxidant nanodrug (A-MPDA@Fe₃O₄@PVP) is prepared by employing L-arginine-doped mesoporous polydopamine (A-MPDA) nanoparticles as the carrier for deposition of ultra-small ferric oxide (Fe₃O₄) nanoparticles and further surface modification with polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP). A-MPDA@Fe₃O₄@PVP not only effectively reduces the aggregation of ultra-small Fe₃O₄, but also simultaneously replicates the catalytic activity of catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD). A-MPDA@Fe₃O₄@PVP with good antioxidant activity can rapidly remove various toxic reactive oxygen species (ROS) and effectively regulate macrophage polarization in vitro. In the treatment of hepatic IRI, A-MPDA@Fe₃O₄@PVP effectively alleviates ROS-induced oxidative stress, reduces the expression of inflammatory factors, and prevents apoptosis of hepatocytes through immune regulation. A-MPDA@Fe₃O₄@PVP can further protect liver tissue by activating the PPARγ/NF-κB pathway. This multiplex antioxidant enzyme therapy can provide new references for the treatment of IRI in organ transplantation and other ROS-related injuries such as fibrosis, cirrhosis, and bacterial and hepatic viral infection.