Scientists have now developed a novel approach aimed at fighting obesity, in which the fat gets absorbed in the small intestine. This is an innovative approach through nanocarrier delivery systems, which could one day lead to the revolutionization of diet-induced obesity. A new, promising method in weight management has been determined by focusing on intestinal fat absorption.
Absorption in the Small Intestine-Fat
The research focuses on the enzyme called Sterol O-acyltransferase 2 (SOAT2) which is significant in the absorption of fats into the small intestine. By inhibiting SOAT2, there is a promising possibility of significantly reducing fat intake, thereby offering an innovative way to help prevent obesity. Unlike previous efforts to block the absorption of fats which involved other challenges, the study unearths a new direction that may eventually lead to positive findings.
For the implementation of this process, the scientists prepared an advanced delivery system in the form of nanoparticles, per Interesting Engineering. These nanoparticles, with a polymer core covered by a protective shell, are specifically designed to ferry small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) directly into the small intestine. The siRNAs work by reducing SOAT2 expression, thereby impairing fat absorption.
Promising Results from the Mouse Model Experiments
In mice, treated mice absorbed much less fat, even when fed a high-fat diet. These mice also avoided obesity.
"This oral treatment has several advantages," said Dr. Shao, lead researcher on the paper. It is non-invasive, low in toxicity, and holds much promise to be better tolerated by patients than most available current treatments for obesity, which are often invasive or burdensome to maintain.
"For years, researchers have studied fat metabolism, but finding an effective way to block fat absorption has been difficult," the study's lead researcher explained.
This approach is innovative and provides much more accessible, less invasive alternatives to conventional obesity treatments and has more promises to be great for long-term success in patients with weight management.
Protecting the Liver: A Cautious Approach
Perhaps the first-of-its-kind benefit of this intestine-selective treatment is avoiding the risks that usually come with targeting the liver for SOAT2. Other previous studies have shown that the inhibition of SOAT2 in the liver allows fats to accumulate, thereby increasing the risk of eventually developing a fatty liver. Thus, by targeting only SOAT2 in the intestine, this therapy offers a safer and more targeted way of reducing the intake of fat and possibly combating obesity.
To Professor Zhaoyan Jiang, who supervised the study, this liver-sparing approach is important because "one of the most exciting features of this treatment is that it selectively targets fat absorption in the intestines without affecting the liver."
Broader Models of Therapy in Mind
Although the initial mouse results are encouraging, the research group plans to pursue additional studies using larger animal models to further establish the safety and efficacy of the therapy for use in humans. In these follow-up studies, it will be critical to determine if the nanoparticle delivery system has the possibility of being an effective obesity treatment in humans.
Should future tests validate its effectiveness, this is a much-needed, non-invasive therapy for obesity sufferers. This treatment specifically addresses one part of the body whose role it is to absorb fat, thus potentially winning a more permanent solution in the management of weight-related disorders and overall health outcomes.
In light of the increasing levels of obesity in the world, this is a new approach that gives hope for the more effective and safer management of this burgeoning health crisis.
The research published in the journal Advanced Science takes one step forward toward the development of new treatments against obesity.
