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Multidisciplinary Approach to Obesity Management: A Case Report
Published on: May 30, 2025
Vascular targeted nanotherapeutic approach for obesity treatment
Nicole Remaliah Samantha Sibuyi1, Mervin Meyer1, Martin Opiyo Onani2
1Department of Science and Technology/Mintek Nanotechnology Innovation Centre, Biolabels Unit, Department of Biotechnology, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa, amadiehe@uwc.ac.za.
Abstract:
Obesity is a global epidemic that poses a serious health concern due to it being a risk factor for life-threatening chronic diseases, such as type 2 diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular diseases. Pharmacotherapy remains the mainstay for the management of obesity; however, its usefulness is limited due to poor drug efficacy, non-specificity and toxic side effects. Therefore, novel approaches that could provide insights into obesity and obesity-associated diseases as well as development of novel anti-obesity treatment modalities or improvement on the existing drugs are necessary. While the ideal treatment of obesity should involve early intervention in susceptible individuals, targeted nanotherapy potentially provides a fresh perspective that might be better than the current conventional therapies. Independent studies have shown improved drug efficacy by using prohibitin (PHB)-targeted therapy in obese rodents and non-human primates, thus providing a proof of concept that targeted nanotherapy can be a feasible treatment for obesity. This review presents a brief global survey of obesity, its impact on human health, its current treatment and their limitations, and the role of angiogenesis and PHB in the development of obesity. Finally, the role and potential use of nanotechnology coupled with targeted drug delivery in the treatment of obesity are discussed.
Insights
Targeted nanotherapy shows promise for treating obesity, a global health issue. Prohibitin (PHB)-targeted approaches in animal models suggest improved drug efficacy over conventional obesity treatments.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Science
- Nanotechnology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Obesity is a global epidemic linked to chronic diseases like diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular conditions.
- Current obesity pharmacotherapy has limitations including poor efficacy, lack of specificity, and toxic side effects.
- Novel therapeutic strategies are needed to address obesity and its associated health risks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the global impact of obesity and current treatment limitations.
- To explore the roles of angiogenesis and prohibitin (PHB) in obesity development.
- To discuss the potential of targeted nanotherapy for obesity treatment.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of obesity, its health impacts, and current treatments.
- Analysis of the roles of angiogenesis and prohibitin (PHB) in obesity.
- Examination of nanotherapy and targeted drug delivery applications in obesity management.
Main Results:
- Pharmacotherapy for obesity is limited by efficacy and side effects.
- Prohibitin (PHB)-targeted therapy has demonstrated improved drug efficacy in preclinical models.
- Targeted nanotherapy presents a feasible approach for obesity treatment.
Conclusions:
- Targeted nanotherapy offers a promising alternative to conventional obesity treatments.
- Understanding the roles of angiogenesis and PHB is crucial for developing novel therapies.
- Further research into nanomedicine is warranted for effective obesity management.
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