ABSTRACT

Keywords: inflammation, arthritis, polymeric nanoparticles, liposomes, chitosan-DNA nanoparticles, dendrimers, inflammatory bowel disease, uveitis, colitis, polymeric micelles

common and potent drugs used in macrophage-mediated diseases treatment often induce unwanted side effects, when applied as a free form, due to the necessity of high doses to induce a satisfactory effect. This could result in their systemic spreading, a lack of bioavailability at the desired sites, and a short half-life. Therefore, the use of drug-loaded nanocarriers represents a good alternative to avoid, or at least decrease, side effects and increase efficacy. Here, an overview of the usefulness of nanocarriers for different therapeutic approaches in the treatment of inflammatory diseases is given.