Researchers from Tongji College and Nanjing Medical College have developed an progressive methodology to deal with weight problems by specializing in fats absorption within the small gut. This superior nanoparticle system, designed to ship therapeutic molecules on to the digestive system, has demonstrated promising leads to stopping weight problems attributable to weight loss plan
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The research, which was introduced at UEG Week 2024, focuses on the enzyme Sterol O-acyltransferase 2 (SOAT2), which is crucial within the means of fats absorption within the small gut. By focusing on and inhibiting this enzyme, the analysis affords a novel therapeutic technique to scale back fats absorption and doubtlessly forestall weight problems.
Whereas fats metabolism has been extensively studied, discovering efficient inhibitors of intestinal fatty acid absorption has confirmed difficult till now.
For years, researchers have studied fats metabolism, however discovering an efficient method to block fats absorption has been tough. Whereas most methods deal with decreasing dietary fats consumption, our method targets the physique’s fats absorption course of instantly.
Dr. Wentao Shao, Lead Researcher, Tongji College
The analysis crew designed an progressive nanoparticle supply system, consisting of a polymer core encapsulated inside a protecting shell. This method was engineered to effectively transport small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) to the small gut, the place they work to scale back SOAT2 expression, thereby inhibiting fats absorption.
In mouse fashions, the animals handled with this nanoparticle remedy confirmed lowered fats absorption and have been in a position to keep away from weight problems, even when consuming a high-fat weight loss plan.
This oral therapy affords a number of benefits. It’s non-invasive, has low toxicity, and has a excessive potential for higher affected person compliance in comparison with present weight problems remedies, which are sometimes invasive or tough to take care of. This makes it a promising various.
Dr. Wentao Shao, Lead Researcher, Tongji College
The research additionally revealed the mechanism by which SOAT2 regulates fats absorption. Inhibiting SOAT2 within the small gut initiates the degradation of CD36, a protein chargeable for fats transport. This course of includes inducing mobile stress and recruiting the enzyme E3 ligase RNF5, which accelerates CD36 degradation.
Earlier analysis has demonstrated that blocking SOAT2 within the liver can lead to fats accumulation, however this intestine-specific method prevents that threat, offering a safer and extra focused therapy for weight problems.
Probably the most thrilling facets of this remedy is its capacity to focus on fats absorption within the intestines with out affecting the liver. That is vital as a result of earlier research confirmed that blocking SOAT2 within the liver can result in fats buildup – a threat our therapy avoids by focusing solely on intestinal SOAT2.
Zhaoyan Jiang, Professor and Examine Supervisor, Shanghai East Hospital
The research crew intends to check the nanoparticle system in bigger animal fashions sooner or later to confirm its efficacy and security for doable human use.
“We imagine that this nanoparticle system represents a breakthrough in weight problems administration, providing a brand new resolution that tackles each fats metabolism and diet-related weight acquire, doubtlessly ushering in a brand new period of simpler remedies,” Professor Jiang concluded.
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