GOLD NANOPARTICLES AS A CARRIER FOR METHOTREXATE IN RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS TREATMENT: A REVIEW

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic, systemic autoimmune and inflammatory disorder characterized by persistent synovitis, leading to the progressive destruction of articular cartilage and bone. While Methotrexate (MTX) remains the gold standard first line Disease Modifying Anti Rheumatic Drug (DMARD), its clinical utility is significantly limited by its narrow therapeutic index, poor pharmacokinetic profile, and severe systemic adverse effects, including hepatotoxicity and gastrointestinal distress. This study explores the potential of nanotechnology, specifically Gold Nanoparticles (GNPs), to enhance the targeted delivery of MTX. In this research, MTX coupled GNPs were synthesized and characterized to improve drug penetrability and bioavailability. The formulation was evaluated via both Intra-articular (direct joint injection) and Transdermal (nano gel) routes. In-vivo results demonstrate that MTX-GNPs significantly suppressed inflammatory markers including TNF-α, Anti-Cyclic Citrullinated Peptide (ACCP), and Cartilage Oligomeric Matrix Protein (COMP) much more effectively than free MTX. The study concludes that nano-formulations not only enhance therapeutic efficacy but also allow for dose reduction, thereby minimizing systemic toxicity and improving patient compliance in RA management.