Introduction of antioxidant-loaded liposomes into endothelial cell surfaces through DNA hybridization

Abstract

Ischemia–reperfusion damage is a problem in organ transplantation. Reactive oxygen species are produced in cells by blood-mediated reactions at the time of blood reperfusion. In this study, we developed a method to immobilize and internalize antioxidants in endothelial cells, using vitamin E-loaded liposomes. The liposomes loaded with vitamin E and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were modified with poly(ethylene glycol)–phospholipid conjugates carrying 20-mer of deoxyadenylic acid (oligo(dA)20) and 20-mer of complementary deoxythymidylic acid (oligo(dT)20), respectively. The liposomes were effectively immobilized on HUVECs through DNA hybridization between oligo(dA)20 and oligo(dT)20. The liposomes loaded with vitamin E were gradually internalized into HUVECs. Then, the cells were treated with antimycin A to induce oxidative stress. We found the amount of reactive oxygen species was greatly reduced in HUVECs carrying vitamin E-loaded liposomes.