The development of fat cells, which are produced from a tiny fibroblast-like progenitor, not only activates the fat cells’ specific genes but also grows them by storing more lipids . In fact, lipid storage is the defining function of a fat cell. But the storage of too much lipid can make fat cells unhealthy and lead to obesity.
Challenges in targeting fat cells
The ability to target fat cells and safely uncouple unhealthy fat formation from healthy fat metabolism would be the answer to many peoples’ prayers. A major challenge in obesity treatment is that fat tissue, which is not continuous in the body but is found piece by piece in «depots,» has been difficult to target in a depot-specific manner, pinpointed at the exact location.
New studies use cationic nanonmaterials to target fat
The papers demonstrate a new method to treat obesity by using cationic nanomaterials that can target specific areas of fat and inhibit the unhealthy storage of enlarged fat cells. The first paper, published today by Nature Nanotechnology, focuses on visceral adiposity, or belly fat. The second paper, published online November 28 by Biomaterials, focuses on fat underneath the skin as well as chronic inflammation associated with obesity. The P-G3 quickly spread throughout the tissue and the team was excited that their method to specifically target visceral fat worked.
Unexpected results
«Our approach is unique–It departs from the pharmacological or surgical approaches,» says Qiang, who specializes in obesity and adipocyte biology. «We used cationic charge to rejuvenate healthy fat cells, a technique no one has ever used to treat obesity. » .
Source: https://www.engineering.columbia.edu/news/positively-charged-nanomaterials-treat-obesity
Date: DEC 01 2022
