Aim: Oxidative stress (OS) is largely thought to be a central mechanism responsible for liver damage, inflammation and fibrosis in nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Our aim was to investigate whether suppression of OS in the liver via redox nanoparticles (RNPs) reduces liver damage in a mouse model of NASH.
Materials & methods: RNPs were prepared by self-assembly of redox polymers possessing antioxidant nitroxide radicals and were orally administered by daily gavage for 4 weeks.
Results: The redox polymer was delivered to the liver after disintegration of nanoparticle in the stomach. RNP treatment in NASH mice via gavage led to a reduction of liver OS, improvement of fibrosis, and significant reduction of inflammation.
Conclusion: These findings uncover RNP as a novel potential NASH therapy.
Keywords: anti-inflammatory polymer drug; oral antioxidants; redox nanoparticles.