(Top) Stimulating the growth of new blood vessels in adipose tissue transforms the tissue from fat-storing white tissue to fat-burning brown tissue. A schematic of the nanoparticle (bottom left) used to deliver angiogenesis drugs to adipose tissue. (Bottom right) The nanoparticles imaged by transmission electron microscopy. Courtesy of the researchers.
At MIT and Brigham and Women’s Hospital scientists have been working on getting nanoparticles to deliver not-yet-FDA-approved anti-obesity medications right into fat tissue. The investigators are using drugs (rosiglitazone and prostaglandin E2 analog) that convert white adipose tissue into brown adipose tissue and that also promote vessel formation so that the nanoparticles can penetrate more thoroughly. While beneficial for getting rid of fat, these are detrimental side effects for the rest of the body. By delivering the drugs in a targeted way, so that they avoid the rest of the body, should lessen their side effects and may help open the way for their approval.
The reseacreated nanoparticles that have an outer shell made of PEG polymer having targeting molecules that stick to proteins produced within blood vessel lining. Inside the drugs are packaged within PLGA, another polymer. The researchers injected these into obese mice that were fed a high fat diet. The animals managed to lose 10% of their weight during the 25 days of treatment. Moreover, cholesterol and triglyceride level went down and the mice responded better to insulin.
Study in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences: Preventing diet-induced obesity in mice by adipose tissue transformation and angiogenesis using targeted nanoparticles
Via: MIT
