RESUMO
Doxorubicin (Dox) is an effective anticancer molecule, but its clinical efficacy is limited by strong cardiotoxic side effects. Lysosomal dysfunction has recently been proposed as a new mechanism of Dox-induced cardiomyopathy. However, to date, there is a paucity of therapeutic approaches capable of restoring lysosomal acidification and function in the heart. Methods: We designed novel poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA)-grafted silica nanoparticles (NPs) and investigated their therapeutic potential in the primary prevention of Dox cardiotoxicity in cardiomyocytes and mice. Results: We showed that NPs-PLGA internalized rapidly in cardiomyocytes and accumulated inside the lysosomes. Mechanistically, NPs-PLGA restored lysosomal acidification in the presence of doxorubicin or bafilomycin A1, thereby improving lysosomal function and autophagic flux. Importantly, NPs-PLGA mitigated Dox-related mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress, two main mechanisms of cardiotoxicity. In vivo, inhalation of NPs-PLGA led to effective and rapid targeting of the myocardium, which prevented Dox-induced adverse remodeling and cardiac dysfunction in mice. Conclusion: Our findings demonstrate a pivotal role for lysosomal dysfunction in Dox-induced cardiomyopathy and highlight for the first time that pulmonary-driven NPs-PLGA administration is a promising strategy against anthracycline cardiotoxicity.