Nanocarriers for Improved Delivery of Angiotensin-(1-7)

The document from 2015 explores the use of nanocarriers, such as liposomes and cyclodextrins, to enhance the delivery of angiotensin-(1-7) (Ang-(1-7)), a heptapeptide with potential therapeutic applications for conditions including alopecia. Due to its short plasma half-life and rapid metabolism, Ang-(1-7) faces challenges in delivery and absorption. Liposomes have been shown to encapsulate and protect Ang-(1-7), with a clinical trial involving 60 subjects demonstrating that liposomal Ang-(1-7) significantly increased the anagen phase of hair growth in patients with androgenetic alopecia. Cyclodextrins, particularly the derivative HPBCD, have been found to increase plasma levels of Ang-(1-7) and show effectiveness in reducing myocardial infarction effects in rats. The document concludes that HPBCD successfully enhances the oral bioavailability of Ang-(1-7) and that liposomes could be used for targeted delivery, suggesting the development of an oral pharmaceutical formulation and further efficacy studies in humans.