Lactoferrin-Decorated Cerium Oxide Nanoparticles Prevent Renal Injury and Fibrosis

Abstract

Renal fibrosis is a hallmark feature of chronic kidney diseases (CKDs). However, despite the increased prevalence of renal fibrosis, there is no approved antifibrotic drug for the management of renal fibrosis. Cerium oxide nanoparticles (CONPs) have been demonstrated to possess a number of properties including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and nephroprotective activity. As the kidneys are rich in lactoferrin (Lf) receptors, we synthesised the lactoferrin-CONP (Lf-CONP) system to be used for active targeting of the kidneys and provide antifibrotic effects of CONPs to the kidneys. We used the unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO)–induced renal fibrosis model and treated the animals with Lf-CONP to observe the antifibrotic effects of Lf-CONP. Lf-CONP was found to inhibit the progression of renal fibrosis in a superior manner when compared to CONPs alone.