Simvastatin-Loaded Nanoniosome Protects H9c2 Cells from Oxygen-Glucose Deprivation/Reperfusion Injury by Downregulating Inflammation

Simvastatin has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties against cardiac I/RI. However, it suffers from low bioavailability and a short half-life. Nanoniosomes are novel drug delivery systems that may increase SIM effectiveness. The present research evaluates the impact of SIM-loaded nanoniosomes on the OGD/R injury model of H9c2 cells.

Cells were seeded based on five groups: (1) control; (2) OGD/R; (3) OGD/R receiving SIM; (4) OGD/R receiving nanoniosomes; and (5) OGD/R receiving SIM‑loaded nanoniosomes. OGD/R injury of the H9c2 cells was treated with SIM or SIM‑loaded nanoniosomes. Cell viability, two inflammatory factors, necroptosis factors, along with HMGB1 and Nrf2 gene expressions were assessed.

The cells treated with SIM‑loaded nanoniosomes showed a significant elevation in the cell viability and a reduction in HMGB1, Nrf2, TNF-α, IL-1β, RIPK1, and ROCK1 expression levels compared to the OGD/R and SIM groups.

Based on our findings, nanoniosomes could safely serve as a drug delivery system to counterbalance the disadvantages of SIM, resulting in improved aqueous solubility and stability.