Mesoscale nanoparticles encapsulated with emodin for targeting antifibrosis in animal models

The aim of this study is to explore the kidney-targeting capability of mesoscale nanoparticles (MNPs)-emodin (Em-MNPs) and its potential antifibrosis in the animal model. First, MNPs and Em-MNPs were synthesized via nanoprecipitation method, and their diameters were both ∼400 nm with the uniform size. The entrapment efficiency of MNPs was 45.1% when adding emodin at the concentration of 12 mg/mL. Moreover, cytotoxicity assay showed that Em-MNPs presented excellent biocompatibility in rat proximal tubular cells. Cellular uptake assay demonstrated that Em-MNPs had high-efficiency uptake, especially in the cytoplasm. Ex vivo organ fluorescence imaging revealed that Em-MNPs possessed specific kidney-targeting ability with relative long retention time in the kidney (∼24 h). In the renal unilateral ureteral obstruction model, Em-MNPs treatment could significantly alleviate kidney tubule injury and reduce extracellular matrix deposition compared with free MNPs. Herein, Em-MNPs with specific kidney-targeting and preferable antifibrosis effects in animal model may pave an avenue for treating renal diseases.