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Review
. 2019 Jun;30(6):369-383.
doi: 10.1016/j.tem.2019.04.004. Epub 2019 May 21.

Promises of Nanotherapeutics in Obesity

Garrett I Ash  1 , Dongin Kim  2 , Mahua Choudhury  3
Affiliations
Review

Promises of Nanotherapeutics in Obesity

Garrett I Ash et al. Trends Endocrinol Metab. 2019 Jun.

Abstract

The application of nanotechnology to medicine promises a wide range of new tools and possibilities, from earlier diagnostics and improved imaging, to better, more efficient, and more targeted therapies. This emerging field could help address obesity, with advances in drug delivery, nutraceuticals, and genetic and epigenetic therapeutics. Its application to obesity is still largely in the development phase. Here, we review the novel angle of nanotech applied to human consumable products and their specific applications to addressing obesity through nutraceuticals, with respect to benefits and limitations of current nanotechnology methods. Further, we review potential future applications to deliver genetic and epigenetic miRNA therapeutics. Finally, we discuss future directions, including theranostics, combinatory therapy, and personalized medicine.

Keywords: diabetes; epigenetics; gene therapy; miRNA; nanotechnology; obesity.

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Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.. Proposed Steps of Delivering Nano-encapsulated Anti-miR-33 Targeting Liver.
Nano encapsulated anti-miR-33 rescues the fatty liver when delivered to the body. Increased miR-33 inhibits expression of genes in the liver which would otherwise stimulate insulin signaling, FA oxidation, HDL biogenesis, and bile secretion. Anti-miR-33 reverses the adverse metabolic effect and rescues the fatty liver and its downstream effect. Due to the liver specific coating, a significant portion would go to the liver and very little to other organs. FA-fatty acid. HDL-high density lipoprotein. WAT-white adipose tissue.
Figure 2 (Key Figure).
Figure 2 (Key Figure).. Nanotechnology Approach to Obesity.
Schematic diagram for control of obesity by the unique properties of nanoparticles such as targeting capacity, dissolution rate enhancement, and efficient encapsulation of various types of agents. Due to these properties, the nanoparticle can be applicable for food processing, genetic & epigenetic therapeutics, and drug delivery. Future applications include theranostics, combinatory therapy, and personalized medicine.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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