Cardiovascular disease (CVD) has become an increasingly important topic in the field of medical research due to the steadily increasing rates of mortality caused by this disease. With recent advancements in nanotechnology, a push for new, novel treatments for CVD utilizing these new materials has begun. Carbon Nanodots (CNDs), are a new form of nanoparticles that have been coveted due to the green synthesis method, biocompatibility, fluorescent capabilities and potential anti-antioxidant properties. With much research pouring into CNDs being used as bioimaging and drug delivery tools, few studies have been completed on their anti-inflammatory potential, especially in the cardiovascular system. CVD begins initially by endothelial cell inflammation. The cause of this inflammation can come from many sources; one being tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), which can not only trigger inflammation but prolong its existence by causing a storm of pro-inflammatory cytokines. This study investigated the ability of CNDs to attenuate TNF-α induced inflammation in human microvascular endothelial cells (HMEC-1). Results show that CNDs at non-cytotoxic concentrations reduce the expression of pro-inflammatory genes, mainly Interleukin-8 (IL-8), and interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β). The uptake of CNDs by HMEC-1s was examined. Results from the studies involving channel blockers and endocytosis disruptors suggest that uptake takes place by endocytosis. These findings provide insights on the interaction CNDs and endothelial cells undergoing TNF-α induced cellular inflammation.

Resveratrol, a natural compound in grapes and red wine, has drawn attention due to potential cardiovascular-related health benefits. However, its effect on vascular inflammation at physiologically achievable concentrations is largely unknown. In this study, resveratrol in concentrations as low as 1 μm suppressed TNF-α-induced monocyte adhesion to human EA.hy926 endothelial cells (ECs), a key event in the initiation and development of atherosclerosis. Low concentrations of resveratrol (0.25–2 μm) also significantly attenuated TNF-α-stimulated mRNA expressions of MCP-1/CCL2 and ICAM-1, which are vital mediators of EC-monocyte adhesion molecules and cytokines for cardiovascular plaque formation. Additionally, resveratrol diminished TNF-α-induced IκB-α degradation and subsequent nuclear translocation of NF-κB p65 in ECs. In the animal study, resveratrol supplementation in diet significantly diminished TNF-α-induced increases in circulating levels of adhesion molecules and cytokines, monocyte adhesion to mouse aortic ECs, F4/80-positive macrophages and VCAM-1 expression in mice aortas and restored the disruption in aortic elastin fiber caused by TNF-α treatment. The animal study also confirmed that resveratrol blocks the activation of NF-κB In Vivo. In conclusion, resveratrol at physiologically achievable concentrations displayed protective effects against TNF-α-induced vascular endothelial inflammation in vitro and In Vivo. The ability of resveratrol in reducing inflammation may be associated with its role as a down-regulator of the NF-κB pathway.