# Development of phospholipid-based nanotherapeutics for treating abdominal aortic aneurysm

> **NIH NIH R01** · UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN AT ANN ARBOR · 2024 · $81,335

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) is a life-threatening vascular condition associated with high mortality rates
upwards of 80% upon rupture. Vascular inflammation plays a primary role in AAA, with chronic inflammation and
degradation of the extracellular matrix leading to segmental dilation of the aortic wall. However, clinical trials
involving anti-inflammatory therapeutics have failed to yield meaningful results. Currently, there are no FDA-
approved therapeutics to treat AAA. Our lab has demonstrated that treatment with synthetic high-density
lipoprotein (sHDL) nanoparticles has a protective effect in AAA, leading to a nearly two-fold reduction in AAA
incident and aortic diameter, highlighting the potential of sHDL for AAA treatment. Thus, the objective of this
proposal is to determine the mechanism by which sHDL attenuates AAA pathogenesis and optimize formulation
for effective treatment and delivery. We will accomplish this by 1) developing sHDL particles and determine
underlying protective mechanisms against AAA in vitro. Specifically, the effects of sHDL will be assessed in
vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC), macrophages, endothelial cells. We will also 2) evaluate and optimize
sHDL treatment in AAA mouse models. The successful completion of this present study will provide robust
mechanistic insight into how sHDL attenuates AAA pathogenesis through its actions at VSMCs, endothelial cells
and macrophages.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 11060774
- **Project number:** 3R01HL165688-02S1
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN AT ANN ARBOR
- **Principal Investigator:** Yanhong Guo
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $81,335
- **Award type:** 3
- **Project period:** 2023-07-01 → 2025-05-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/11060774

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 11060774, Development of phospholipid-based nanotherapeutics for treating abdominal aortic aneurysm (3R01HL165688-02S1). Retrieved via MORVS 2026-10-25 from https://api.morvs.ai/grant/nih/11060774. Licensed CC0.

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