Avaliação de nanopartículas de licopeno em processos inflamatórios

Abstract

Inflammation is a complex adaptive response of the organism to external stimuli such as injuries, infections, and irritations, playing a central role in the immune system. However, when deregulated, it can lead to various chronic diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis. Lycopene, a carotenoid found in foods like tomatoes and watermelon, is known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, making it a promising option for treating inflammatory processes. Despite its benefits, the structure of lycopene presents significant challenges in terms of stability and bioavailability. Its acyclic and symmetrical structure, composed of forty carbons and several conjugated double bonds, makes it susceptible to degradation by light and heat. Additionally, its lipophilic nature hinders absorption in the body. To overcome these limitations, a lycopene-based nanodrug was developed and characterized using nanotechnology. Lycopene nanoparticles were synthesized with an average size of 241 nm, aiming to improve its stability and bioavailability. The results show that these nanoparticles exhibit superior anti-inflammatory effects compared to free lycopene. In vivo experiments using an arthritis model show that, at a low dose of 1 mg/kg, the nanodrug significantly reduces knee joint thickness, total leukocyte infiltration, mononuclear cells, and neutrophils at the site of inflammation. These effects are attributed to the inhibition of multidrug resistance protein 1, highlighting the potential of lycopene nanoparticles as an effective anti-inflammatory agent. Furthermore, the encapsulation of lycopene in nanoparticles increased its stability and bioavailability, ensuring sustained and targeted release to inflamed tissues. This approach not only improves the therapeutic efficacy of lycopene but also minimizes potential side effects associated with higher doses of the free drug. In conclusion, this research demonstrates that lycopene nanoparticles represent a promising nanotechnological strategy for managing inflammatory diseases. The results highlight the potential of this nanodrug to overcome the limitations associated with free lycopene, improving its efficacy and safety. This thesis significantly contributes to the field of nanotechnology applied to inflammatory therapy, offering new perspectives for the development of treatments based on natural compounds.