Nano-Theranostic Modality for Visualization of the Placenta and Photo-Hyperthermia for Potential Management of Ectopic Pregnancy |
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Authors: | Abraham S Moses Leena Kadam Anna St Lorenz Maureen K Baldwin Terry Morgan Jessica Hebert Youngrong Park Hyelim Lee Ananiya A Demessie Tetiana Korzun Babak Mamnoon Adam W G Alani Oleh Taratula Leslie Myatt Olena R Taratula |
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Affiliation: | 1. Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Oregon State University, 2730 S Moody Avenue, Portland, OR, 97201 USA;2. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Oregon Health and Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, Portland, OR, 97239 USA;3. Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Oregon Health and Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, Portland, OR, 97239 USA |
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Abstract: | Ectopic pregnancy (EP) is the leading cause of maternity-related death in the first trimester of pregnancy. Approximately 98% of ectopic implantations occur in the fallopian tube, and expedient management is crucial for preventing hemorrhage and maternal death in the event of tubal rupture. Current ultrasound strategies misdiagnose EP in up to 40% of cases, and the failure rate of methotrexate treatment for confirmed EP exceeds 10%. Here the first theranostic strategy for potential management of EP is reported using a near-infrared naphthalocyanine dye encapsulated within polymeric nanoparticles. These nanoparticles preferentially accumulate in the developing murine placenta within 24 h following systemic administration, and enable visualization of implantation sites at various gestational stages via fluorescence and photoacoustic imaging. These nanoparticles do not traverse the placental barrier to the fetus or impact fetal development. However, excitation of nanoparticles localized in specific placentas with focused NIR light generates heat (>43 °C) sufficient for disruption of placental function, resulting in the demise of targeted fetuses with no effect on adjacent fetuses. This novel approach would enable diagnostic confirmation of EP when current imaging strategies are unsuccessful, and elimination of EP could subsequently be achieved using the same nano-agent to generate localized hyperthermia resulting in targeted placental impairment. |
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Keywords: | ectopic pregnancy nanoparticles NIR imaging photoacoustic imaging photo-hyperthermia (PHT) placenta visualization |
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