Ultrasound-Assisted Targeted Therapy for Liver Fibrosis Using Rosiglitazone-Loaded Lipid Nanoparticles Functionalized with RGD Peptides

Hepatic fibrosis is a progressive liver disease characterized by excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins, primarily collagen, in response to chronic liver injury. Despite the availability of treatment options, current therapies face significant challenges, including poor drug targeting and systemic toxicity. In this study, we developed a nanodrug delivery system, Rosiglitazone (RGZ)-loaded perfluoropropane (PFP)-based lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) functionalized with Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD) peptides (RGZ/PFP@LNP-RGD), for ultrasound-assisted targeted therapy of liver fibrosis. RGZ, a selective PPARγ agonist, was encapsulated in LNPs functionalized with RGD peptides, allowing for targeted delivery to activated hepatic stellate cells (aHSCs), the central cells involved in fibrosis progression. PFP, incorporated into the nanoparticle core, serves as an ultrasound-responsive agent, enabling controlled drug release upon ultrasound irradiation. In vitro, RGZ/PFP@LNP-RGD treatment led to a reduction in the expression of key fibrosis markers such as Col Iα1, α-SMA, and TGF-β1 at both the protein and mRNA levels. Ultrasound treatment further enhanced RGZ release from the nanocarriers, improving the inhibition of HSC activation. In vivo, RGZ/PFP@LNP-RGD combined with ultrasound treatment resulted in a marked reduction in liver fibrosis and improved liver function compared to free RGZ treatment. Histological and biochemical assessments confirmed reduced fibrosis marker expression and liver damage. These results suggest that RGZ/PFP@LNP-RGD, especially when combined with ultrasound, offers a promising noninvasive therapeutic strategy for liver fibrosis, with enhanced targeting, controlled drug release, and reduced systemic toxicity.