Dexamethasone prodrug nanomedicine (ZSJ-0228) treatment significantly reduces lupus nephritis in mice without measurable side effects - A 5-month study.

ABSTRACT: Lupus nephritis (LN) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality among systemic lupus erythematosus patients. Glucocorticoids (GCs) are uniformly used in clinical LN management. Their notorious toxicities, however, have hampered the long-term clinical application. To circumvent GC side effects while maintaining their potent therapeutic efficacy, we have developed a macromolecular prodrug nanomedicine based on dexamethasone (ZSJ-0228). The focus of this study was to investigate its long-term efficacy and, most importantly, safety in the lupus-prone NZB/W F1 mouse. Monthly ZSJ-0228 treatment for five months significantly reduced the incidence of nephritis in NZB/W F1 mice with an improved survival rate. In contrast to treatment with dose equivalent daily free dexamethasone, long-term monthly

SUBMITTER: Zhao Z 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7736168 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature