Targeted Antagonism of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Reduces Mortality of Mice with Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome

This study attempts to study the targeted drug delivery for ARDS. In this study, we used soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt)-targeted ultrasound microbubbles to antagonize the effect of VEGF on lung tissue. Ninety male BALB/c mice were randomly assigned to 6 groups: phosphate buffer saline (PBS) group (PBS+PBS); blank group (PBS+empty microbubbles); lipopolysaccharide (LPS) group (LPS+PBS); ARDS group (LPS+empty microbubbles); control group (PBS+sFlt microbubbles); and treatment group (LPS+sFlt microbubbles). After administration of LPS or PBS in the corresponding groups, the sFlt-targeted microbubbles or empty microbubbles were injected into the blood circulation. Then the lungs were irradiated with ultrasound, which ruptured the drug-loaded microbubbles and helped release drugs to the lung tissues targeted. The lung injury score, lung wet/dry ratio (W/D), liver and kidney functions, and the mortality of the mice in all groups were investigated at the predetermined time point. The difference in mortality between groups was examined by Fisher test. Other data were analyzed by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). A value ofP<0.05 indicates that the difference was significant. The results showed that the PaO2 levels were normal in the PBS group, the blank group, and the control group. The LPS group and ARDS group showed significant hypoxia. PaO2 was improved significantly in the treatment group. The lung injury score and W/D were normal in the PBS group, the blank gro...
Source: Journal of Huazhong University of Science and Technology -- Medical Sciences -- - Category: Research Source Type: research