Researchers have developed a nanoparticle-based therapy that directly targets the absorption of fats in the small intestine with the aim of fighting obesity.
- Researchers have developed a new therapeutic approach to reduce fat absorption and potentially prevent obesity.
- They used a micro capsule based on nanoparticles which deliver small interfering RNA into the small intestine.
- The latter inhibit the expression of the SOAT2 enzyme which plays a role in fat absorption.
“For years, researchers have studied fat metabolism, but it has been difficult to find an effective way to block fat absorption”explains Dr Wentao Shao, researcher at Tongji University (China).
While most work to date has focused on reducing dietary fat intake, the scientist and his team decided to focus on the process of fat absorption by the body. They have thus developed a therapy which delivers molecules helping to reduce the absorption of fats directly into the digestive tract using nanoparticles.
They presented it at the United European Gastroenterology (UEG) Week 2024 which takes place in Vienna from October 12 to 15, 2024.
Nanoparticles carry treatment to the intestines
The team developed a tiny capsule using nanoparticles that is capable of transporting small interfering RNA (called siRNA) to the small intestine. These can reduce the expression of an enzyme called sterol O-acyltransferase 2 (SOAT2), known to participate in fat absorption.
Tests carried out on rodents showed that animals treated with this nanoparticle therapy absorbed less fat than others. They also had less risk of developing obesity, even if they were served a diet high in fat.
“This oral treatment offers several advantages”assures Dr Shao. “It is non-invasive, has low toxicity and has high potential to improve patient treatment compliance compared to current obesity treatments, which are often invasive or difficult to maintain. This makes it a promising alternative.”
Obesity: this treatment does not endanger the liver
This research also provided a better understanding of how the SOAT2 enzyme regulates fat absorption. “Inhibition of SOAT2 in the small intestine triggers the degradation of CD36, a protein responsible for fat transport. This process involves both cellular stress and the recruitment of the E3 ligase RNF5, an enzyme that enhances the degradation of CD36”write the authors in their press release.
Furthermore, as Professor Zhaoyan Jiang, director of the study, points out, the new treatment targets the enzyme in the intestines, and not the liver. “This is important because previous studies have shown that blocking SOAT2 in the liver can lead to fat accumulation there – a risk our treatment avoids by focusing only on intestinal SOAT2.”
Although the results are promising, marketing of the treatment is not yet planned. The team still needs to test it on larger animals to confirm its effectiveness and safety for potential use in humans.
