The Application of Methylprednisolone Nanoscale Zirconium-Porphyrin Metal-Organic Framework (MPS-NPMOF) in the Treatment of Photoreceptor Degeneration

Yajie Wang,1,2,* Wei Liu,3,4,* Bo Yuan,1,2 Xuebo Yin,3 Yiming Li,1 Zongjin Li,1 Jianlin Cui,1 Xiaoyong Yuan,2 Yuhao Li1,5 1Tianjin Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment and Neurovascular Regulation, Nankai University School of Medicine, Tianjin 300071, People’s Republic of China; 2Tianjin Eye Hospital, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Nankai University Eye Hospital, Tianjin 300020, People’s Republic of China; 3State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Biosensing and Molecular Recognition, Nankai University College of Chemistry, Tianjin 300071, People’s Republic of China; 4Tianjin University School of Science, Tianjin 300072, People’s Republic of China; 5Tianjin Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Molecular Nuclear Medicine, Tianjin 300192, People’s Republic of China*These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Yuhao LiTianjin Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment and Neurovascular Regulation, Nankai University School of Medicine, 94 Weijin Road, Tianjin 300071, People’s Republic of ChinaTel +86 22 2350 2554Email liyuhao@nankai.edu.cnXiaoyong YuanTianjin Eye Hospital, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, 4 Gansu Road, Tianjin 300020, People’s Republic of ChinaTel +86 22 2731 3336Email yuanxy_cn@hotmail.comBackground: Photoreceptor degeneration is one of the most refractory oculopathy in the world, leading to vision loss in severe cases. Methyprednisolone is one of the most commonly prescribed medications for the treatment of retinal degenerative diseases, either by oral administration or repeated intraocular injections. However, the efficacy was unsatisfactory due to its systemic or local side effects and short retention time within the retina.Methods: Nanoscale zirconium-porphyrin metal-organic framework (NPMOF) was synthesized and characterized. The biotoxicity and imaging capability