Neuronal uptake of nanoformulated superoxide dismutase and attenuation of angiotensin II-dependent hypertension after central administration

Abstract

Excessive production of superoxide (O2−) in the central nervous system has been widely implicated in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases, including chronic heart failure and hypertension. In an attempt to overcome the failed therapeutic impact of currently available antioxidants in cardiovascular disease, we developed a nanomedicine-based delivery system for the O2−-scavenging enzyme copper/zinc superoxide dismutase (CuZnSOD), in which CuZnSOD protein is electrostatically bound to a poly-l-lysine (PLL50)–polyethylene glycol (PEG) block copolymer to form a CuZnSOD nanozyme. Various formulations of CuZnSOD nanozyme are covalently stabilized by either reducible or nonreducible crosslinked bonds between the PLL50–PEG polymers. Herein, we tested the hypothesis that PLL50–PEG CuZnSOD nanozyme delivers active CuZnSOD protein to neurons and decreases blood pressure in a mouse model of angiotensin II (AngII)-dependent hypertension. As determined by electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy, nanozymes retain full SOD enzymatic activity compared to native CuZnSOD protein. Nonreducible CuZnSOD nanozyme delivers active CuZnSOD protein to central neurons in culture (CATH.a neurons) without inducing significant neuronal toxicity. Furthermore, in vivo studies conducted in adult male C57BL/6 mice demonstrate that hypertension established by chronic subcutaneous infusion of AngII is significantly attenuated for up to 7 days after a single intracerebroventricular injection of nonreducible nanozyme. These data indicate the efficacy of nonreducible PLL50–PEG CuZnSOD nanozyme in counteracting excessive O2− and decreasing blood pressure in AngII-dependent hypertensive mice after central administration. Additionally, this study supports the further development of PLL50–PEG CuZnSOD nanozyme as an antioxidant-based therapeutic option for hypertension.