Investigating MTX-Loaded magnetic nanocomposite particles for treatment of rheumatoid arthritis

Abstract

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disorder that initially leads to inflammation in the lining of a joint and other parts of the body, then progresses and causes deformity. It occurs when the immune system attacks the body tissue. Treatments help to mitigate symptoms and impede the progression of this disease; however, it can bring about a range of side effects. In a current study, methotrexate hydrate (MTX)-loaded magnetic nanocomposite spheres were fabricated and examined for their potential to treat collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) in the murine model. The carriers contain MTX, albumin, poly lactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA), and magnetic nanoparticles (NPs), thereby allowing the drug carriers to accumulate at the targeted limb using a magnet that is attached outside the body. A release rate study of these drug delivery systems concluded a mean of six to seven days for the release of the effective dosage. Also, it was revealed that mice treated with the drug carriers using a magnet to target the carriers brought better results in the overall progression of the disease compared to mice that were treated with only carriers but did not receive a magnet to target the carriers. Analysis of the paw scores of arthritis-induced mice demonstrated a progression in the studied paws. Moreover, these results were stated with a 95% confidence interval revealing that paws treated with the targeted carrier showed lower scores and subsequently a better outcome. These results are further supported by the review of micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) scans of the paws.