Thermosensitive hydrogel composite with si-Cx43 nanoparticles and anti-VEGF agent for synergistic treatment of diabetic retinopathy

Abstract

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is characterized by pathological angiogenesis, inflammation, and retinal neurodegeneration, leading to vision loss. Current therapies, such as anti-VEGF agents, face challenges of low bioavailability and frequent invasive injections. Connexin43 (Cx43), a gap junction protein, plays a key role in DR progression through its modulation of inflammation and vascular dysfunction. A thermosensitive hydrogel composite was developed to encapsulate siRNA targeting Cx43 (si-Cx43) nanoparticles (NPs) and anti-VEGF (Avastin). The hydrogel was characterized for gelation, injectability, and degradation. In vitro studies evaluated the cytotoxicity, anti-angiogenic effects, and permeability regulation in hyperglycemic retinal cells under hyperglycemic conditions. In vivo therapeutic efficacy was assessed in a diabetic retinopathy rat model. si-Cx43-NPs demonstrated high siRNA encapsulation efficiency and stability, effectively silencing Cx43 expression in retinal endothelial cells. The hydrogel exhibited excellent injectability, temperature-sensitive gelation, and controlled degradation. In vitro, si-Cx43-NPs@Avastin-hydrogel significantly suppressed VEGF expression, reduced angiogenesis, and restored cell permeability under hyperglycemic conditions. In vivo, the hydrogel composite reduced neovascularization, inflammation, and apoptosis, restoring retinal structure and function more effectively than either single-agent treatment alone. Biocompatibility studies confirmed minimal toxicity and favorable degradation. The si-Cx43-NPs@Avastin-hydrogel provides a synergistic and minimally invasive therapeutic strategy for DR by targeting angiogenesis, inflammation, and neuroprotection with sustained drug delivery.

Keywords: Angiogenesis; Anti-VEGF; Diabetic retinopathy; Inflammation; Thermosensitive hydrogel; si-Cx43 nanoparticles.