Nanomolecular probe-based computed tomography imaging evaluation of coronary lesions in children with Kawasaki disease

Kawasaki disease (KD) is a common vasculitis in children that may lead to coronary artery abnormalities. Despite the unclear etiology, the incidence of KD is rising. Traditional computed tomography (CT) has limitations in detecting coronary artery lesions, whereas nanoparticle-based molecular probes can enhance the diagnostic sensitivity of CT imaging, offering novel approaches for the diagnosis and treatment of KD. It aimed to explore the application of nano-molecular probes in the CT imaging evaluation of KD coronary artery lesion in children. The Anti-osteopontin (OPN) antibody-modified polyethylene glycol gold nanoparticles (Anti-OPN-PEG-Au) probes were first prepared, synthesized by conjugating thiolated polyethylene glycol carboxylic acid (SH-PEG-COOH) with gold nanoparticles and OPN antibodies. Rat primary adventitial fibroblasts were cultured, and cell viability was assessed using the MTT assay (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) to evaluate the toxicity of the nanoparticles. Then, 132 KD patients admitted to our hospital as the research subjects were retrospectively analyzed. After screening, 47 of the 110 patients treated with nanoprobe therapy were KD group, and 63 patients treated with conventional therapy were Ctrl group. The changes of cardiac function, myocardial strain rate, plasma and peptide contents, interleukin-17 (IL-7), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were compared between groups. Anti-OPN-PEG-Au nanoparticles were safe and showed no marked toxicity. The ratio of left coronary artery diameter to aortic root (LSA/AO) and the ratio of left coronary artery diameter to aortic root (RCA/AO) differed drastically between groups ( P < 0.05). KD group was superior to Ctrl group in cardiac function and myocardial strain rate. The concentration values of plasma and peptide hormones, IL-7, and TNF-α in KD group were significantly lower than those in Ctrl group ( P < 0.05). CT scan could clearly demonstrate the severity of coronary artery disease. The children with KD had better cardiac function recovery and curative effect after nano-molecular probe treatment.