International Journal of Nanomedicine (Dec 2019)
The Application of Methylprednisolone Nanoscale Zirconium-Porphyrin Metal-Organic Framework (MPS-NPMOF) in the Treatment of Photoreceptor Degeneration
Abstract
Yajie Wang,1,2,* Wei Liu,3,4,* Bo Yuan,1,2 Xuebo Yin,3 Yiming Li,1 Zongjin Li,1 Jianlin Cui,1 Xiaoyong Yuan,2 Yuhao Li1,5 1Tianjin Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment and Neurovascular Regulation, Nankai University School of Medicine, Tianjin 300071, People’s Republic of China; 2Tianjin Eye Hospital, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Nankai University Eye Hospital, Tianjin 300020, People’s Republic of China; 3State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Biosensing and Molecular Recognition, Nankai University College of Chemistry, Tianjin 300071, People’s Republic of China; 4Tianjin University School of Science, Tianjin 300072, People’s Republic of China; 5Tianjin Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Molecular Nuclear Medicine, Tianjin 300192, People’s Republic of China*These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Yuhao LiTianjin Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment and Neurovascular Regulation, Nankai University School of Medicine, 94 Weijin Road, Tianjin 300071, People’s Republic of ChinaTel +86 22 2350 2554Email [email protected] YuanTianjin Eye Hospital, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, 4 Gansu Road, Tianjin 300020, People’s Republic of ChinaTel +86 22 2731 3336Email [email protected]: Photoreceptor degeneration is one of the most refractory oculopathy in the world, leading to vision loss in severe cases. Methyprednisolone is one of the most commonly prescribed medications for the treatment of retinal degenerative diseases, either by oral administration or repeated intraocular injections. However, the efficacy was unsatisfactory due to its systemic or local side effects and short retention time within the retina.Methods: Nanoscale zirconium-porphyrin metal-organic framework (NPMOF) was synthesized and characterized. The biotoxicity and imaging capability of NPMOF were evaluated using zebrafish embryos and larvae. NPMOF was then used as a skeleton and loaded with methylprednisolone (MPS) to prepare a novel kind of nanoparticle, MPS-NPMOF. Photoreceptor degeneration was induced by high-intensity light exposure in adult zebrafish. MPS-NPMOF was delivered to the injured retina by intraocular injection. The photoreceptor regeneration and its underlying mechanism were explored by immunohistochemistry, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and behavioral test.Results: NPMOF not only had low biotoxicity but also emitted bright fluorescence. Following a single MPS-NPMOF intraocular injection, the injured retina exhibited the faster photoreceptor regeneration with better visual function by promoting the cell proliferation.Conclusion: NPMOF is an ideal carrier and could be applied in tracking and delivering medications. By intraocular injection, the novel drug delivery system, MPS-NPMOF, accomplishes the sustained release of drug and plays a therapeutic role in photoreceptor degeneration.Keywords: nanoscale zirconium-porphyrin metal-organic framework, photoreceptor, degeneration, methylprednisolone, drug delivery
