Aim

To examine the therapeutic/preventive potential of liposome-encapsulated spironolactone (SP; Lipo-SP) for acute lung injury (ALI) and fibrosis.

Materials & methods

Lipo-SP was prepared by the film-ultrasonic method, and physicochemical and pharmacokinetic characterized for oral administration (10 and 20 mg/kg for SP-loaded liposome; 20 mg/kg for free SP) in a mouse model bleomycin-induced ALI.

Results

Lipo-SP enhanced bioavailability of SP with significant amelioration in lung pathology. Mechanistically, SP-mediated mineralocorticoid receptor antagonism contributes to inflammatory monocyte/macrophage modulation via an inhibitory effect on Ly6C(hi) monocytosis-directed M2 polarization of alveolar macrophages. Moreover, Lipo-SP at lower dose (10 mg/kg) exhibited more improvement in body weight gain.

Conclusion

Our data highlight Lipo-SP as a promising approach with therapeutic/preventive potential for ALI and fibrosis.