Liposome/gold hybrid nanoparticle encoded with CoQ10 (LGNP-CoQ10) suppressed rheumatoid arthritis via STAT3/Th17 targeting

Abstract

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), also known as ubiquinone, is a fat-soluble antioxidant. Although CoQ10 has not been approved as medication by the Food and Drug Administration, it is widely used in dietary supplements. Some studies have shown that CoQ10 has anti-inflammatory effects on various autoimmune disorders. In this study, we investigated the anti-inflammatory effects of liposome/gold hybrid nanoparticles encoded with CoQ10 (LGNP-CoQ10). Both CoQ10 and LGNP-CoQ10 were administered orally to mice with collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) for 10 weeks. The inflammation pathology of joint tissues of CIA mice was then analyzed using hematoxylin and eosin and Safranin O staining, as well as immunohistochemistry analysis. We obtained immunofluorescence staining images of spleen tissues using confocal microscopy. We found that pro-inflammatory cytokines were significantly decreased in LGNP-CoQ10 injected mice. Th17 cell and phosphorylated STAT3-expressed cell populations were also decreased in LGNP-CoQ10 injected mice. When human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were treated with CoQ10 and LGNP-CoQ10, the IL-17 expression of PBMCs in the LGNP-CoQ10-treated group was significantly reduced. Together, these results suggest that LGNP-CoQ10 has therapeutic potential for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.

Biomaterial-based immunotherapeutic strategies for rheumatoid arthritis

“…Jhun et al [146] used a liposome and gold hybrid nanoparticle to encapsulate CoQ10 (LGNP-CoQ10) for curbing Th17 activity in the CIA mouse model [146]. These CoQ10 NPs were administered orally, and the authors found a greater reduction in arthritic score, and a reduction in Th17 numbers and cytokine levels, compared to unencapsulated CoQ10 [146]. Regulatory T cells are remarkable mediators of tolerance through production of IL-10 and their ability to competitively inhibit DC-mediated co-stimulatory activation of T cells [28,126].…”

“…The antioxidant coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) inhibits the transcription factor STAT3, a critical regulator for Th17 effector function [144,145]. Jhun et al [146] used a liposome and gold hybrid nanoparticle to encapsulate CoQ10 (LGNP-CoQ10) for curbing Th17 activity in the CIA mouse model [146]. These CoQ10 NPs were administered orally, and the authors found a greater reduction in arthritic score, and a reduction in Th17 numbers and cytokine levels, compared to unencapsulated CoQ10 [146].…”

Biomimetic and Bioinspired Intervention Strategies for the Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis

“…utilized liposome/gold hybrid NPs to deliver Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) in a CIA mouse model. [ 85 ] Histological staining results indicated that the NPs loaded with CoQ10 significantly reduced Th17 cell populations and IL‐17 expression. IL‐23 is an important pro‐inflammatory cytokine that promotes the production of Th17 cells.…”

Therapeutic Potential and Immunomodulatory Role of Coenzyme Q10 and Its Analogues in Systemic Autoimmune Diseases

“…The immunomodulatory effects of CoQ 10 have also been shown in other mouse models of RA like collagen-induced arthritis (CIA). In a very recent study, the oral administration of CoQ 10 encoded in liposome/gold hybrid nanoparticles (LGNP CoQ 10 ) for 10 weeks showed the reduction of the pathology scores of RA including bone damage, cartilage damage and immune cells infiltration [ 144 ]. The levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL6, TNF, IL17 and IL1 were reduced in the joints of CoQ 10 -treated mice.…”