Targeted delivery of pentagalloyl glucose inhibits matrix metalloproteinase activity and preserves elastin in emphysematous lungs

BACKGROUND: Elastin degradation has been established as one of the driving factors of emphysema. Elastin-derived peptides (EDPs) are shown to act as a chemoattractant for monocytes. Effectively shielding elastin from elastolytic damage and regenerating lost elastin are two important steps in improving the mechanical function of damaged lungs. Pentagalloyl glucose (PGG) has been shown to preserve elastin in vascular tissues from elastolytic damage in vivo and aid in elastin deposition in vitro. METHODS: We created emphysema by elastase inhalation challenge in mice. Albumin nanoparticles loaded with PGG, conjugated with elastin antibody, were delivered to target degraded elastin in lungs. We investigated matrix metalloproteinase-12 activity and lung damage by measuring dynamic compliance and tidal volume changes. RESULTS: Ex-vivo experiments demonstrated elastin preservation in PGG treated samples compared to controls. Inhaled nanoparticles conjugated with elastin antibody retained for extended periods in lungs. Further, mice treated with PGG nanoparticles showed a significant suppression of MMP-12 activity measured in the lungs. We observed suppression of emphysema in terms of dynamic lung compliance and tidal volume change compared to the control group. The histological examination further confirmed elastin preservation in the lungs. CONCLUSION: These results demonstrate successful targeted delivery of nanoparticles loaded with PGG to inhibit MMP-12 activity and preserve elastin in the lungs. Such targeted PGG therapy has potential therapeutic use in the management of emphysema. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12931-021-01838-1.