Now AI-driven nanotechnology to treat artery blockages without surgery

Heart diseases are killing close to 18 million people every year, says the World Health Organisation (WHO). Out of the different heart related ailments, atherosclerosis plays a major contributory role. Atherosclerosis, the buildup of plaque in arteries, is a leading cause of heart disease and stroke. In this condition, plaque, composed of fat, cholesterol, and other substances, builds up in the arteries, narrowing and hardening them. This restricts blood flow, increasing the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and peripheral artery disease. Over time, the plaque can rupture, causing blood clots that may block arteries completely. The condition often develops slowly and may not show symptoms until arteries are significantly narrowed or blocked thus necessitating more specific treatment methods. However, traditional methods like angiography and stress tests often detect atherosclerosis only after significant plaque buildup has occurred. Hence, advanced technology is critical for improving both the diagnosis and treatment of this condition.

Heart diseases are killing close to 18 million people every year, says the World Health Organisation (WHO). Out of the different heart related ailments, atherosclerosis plays a major contributory role. Atherosclerosis, the buildup of plaque in arteries, is a leading cause of heart disease and stroke. In this condition, plaque, composed of fat, cholesterol, and other substances, builds up in the arteries, narrowing and hardening them. This restricts blood flow, increasing the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and peripheral artery disease. Over time, the plaque can rupture, causing blood clots that may block arteries completely. The condition often develops slowly and may not show symptoms until arteries are significantly narrowed or blocked thus necessitating more specific treatment methods. However, traditional methods like angiography and stress tests often detect atherosclerosis only after significant plaque buildup has occurred. Hence, advanced technology is critical for improving both the diagnosis and treatment of this condition.

The findings of the study have been published in the journal Small. "Commonly used methods for imaging atherosclerotic plaques include techniques like intravascular ultrasound, coronary angiography, computed tomography angiography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). However, these methods have limitations in resolution, invasiveness, and most importantly, the ability to deliver targeted therapies," the researchers have said as they release the results of the groundbreaking study. 

How does this work?
"The newly developed nanoparticle can diagnose atherosclerosis, target atherosclerotic plaques, and deliver therapeutic agents directly to inhibit the progression of atherosclerosis in the preclinical models," the team has said. The nanoparticles work by breaking down specifically in the acidic environment of atherosclerotic plaques. In this process, it released gadolinium which helps in real-time imaging of plaque severity and releases Simvastatin, a water-insoluble drug with anti-inflammatory properties and anti-ROS (reactive oxygen species) properties that contribute to plaque stabilisation and treatment. Hence, reduces the risk of cardiovascular events.