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Macrophage-mimetic, glycyrrhizic acid-functionalized liposomes for targeted delivery of celastrol in ulcerative colitis

delete2026-05-23
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PRE
AI
W
Wenjing Yang
Z
Zhouru Wang
R
Rui Gao
X
Xuelian Yang
M
Mengdie Yu
Z
Zhan Tang
Q
Qiao Wang
A
Aizhen Zhou
B
Bin Cheng *
W
Wenying Yu *
DOI:10.1016/j.bioadv.2026.214788delete
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Abstract

Abstract

En 中文
Background: The natural compound celastrol (Cel) mitigates ulcerative colitis (UC) progression by modulating macrophage polarization. However, its clinical application is limited by poor solubility, a lack of specific targeting, and potential toxicity. This study aimed to develop a targeted and safe drug delivery system and evaluate its therapeutic efficacy in UC treatment. Methods: Glycyrrhizic acid (GA) was used as a substitute for cholesterol (CHO) to formulate novel liposomes (LPs), GA-LPs@Cel. Macrophage membranes (MM) derived from RAW264.7 cells were then coated onto GALPs@Cel, creating MM-GA-LPs@Cel, which was characterized. The targeted delivery capability, pharmacological activity, and biosafety of MM-GA-LPs@Cel were evaluated via in vitro and in vivo models. Results: Compared with traditional CHO-LPs@Cel, GA-LPs@Cel presented enhanced anti-inflammatory properties and reduced toxicity. MM-GA-LPs@Cel demonstrated superior active targeting and immune evasion ability. It inhibited proinflammatory factor secretion by modulating macrophage polarization, facilitated intestinal barrier repair, and exhibited significant therapeutic effects against UC. The biomimetic system also reduced Celassociated toxicity. Conclusion: This study developed MM-coated LPs (MM-GA-LPs@Cel) with superior ability and safety. In UC animal models, this delivery system improved the therapeutic efficacy of Cel and reduced toxicity, suggesting a promising approach for the clinical management of UC.
Keywords:
Macrophage membrane
Functionalized liposomes
Targeted therapy
Celastrol
Ulcerative colitis

Journal

Biomaterials Advances cover
Biomaterials Advances
IF:
6
Papers:
1.9K
Citations:
6.0K

Organization

Z
zhejiang pharmaceutical university
Scholars:
206
Papers: 134
Citations: 2
H
hangzhou medical college
Scholars:
1.3K
Papers: 411
Citations: 0
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