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Anti-obesity effects of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles mediated through modulation of hepatic lipolysis

Reem H A Salih1, Ghaleb A Oriquat2, Safwan AlAdwan3

  • 1Clinical Chemistry Department, Faculty of Medical Laboratory Sciences, West Kordufan University, Sudan.

Gene
|June 5, 2025
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) show anti-obesity effects by improving glucose and lipid metabolism and enhancing mitochondrial biogenesis. Combining SPIONs with orlistat may boost these benefits and allow for lower SPION dosages.

Area of Science:

  • Biomedical Nanotechnology
  • Metabolic Disease Research
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Obesity is a global health crisis linked to numerous chronic diseases.
  • Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) exhibit potential glucose and lipid-lowering properties.
  • Investigating SPIONs' anti-obesity and anti-steatotic effects is crucial for therapeutic development.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the anti-obesity and anti-steatotic effects of SPIONs.
  • To investigate SPIONs' impact on genes regulating lipid and mitochondrial biogenesis in hepatic tissues.
  • To explore the synergistic effects of SPIONs combined with orlistat.

Main Methods:

  • The study utilized 72 young male albino rats, divided into healthy and obese groups.
  • The obese group was further divided into subgroups receiving SPIONs (varying doses and types), orlistat, or a combination.
  • Key metabolic markers, gene expression (SREBP-1c, PGC-1α, NRF1, NRF2), and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) copy number were analyzed.

Main Results:

  • SPIONs reduced fasting serum glucose (FBS), HOMA-IR, lipid profiles, and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels.
  • SPIONs increased glutathione (GSH) content and upregulated PGC-1α, NRF1, and NRF2 expressions while downregulating SREBP-1c.
  • Significant increases in hepatic mtDNA copy number and amelioration of liver enzyme activities were observed.

Conclusions:

  • SPIONs exert anti-obesity effects via insulin-sensitizing, lipotropic, antioxidant, anti-lipogenic, and mitochondrial biogenesis pathways.
  • Adjuvant therapy with orlistat can potentiate SPION efficacy, potentially reducing the required SPION dosage.
  • SPIONs represent a promising therapeutic strategy for managing obesity and related metabolic disorders.
Keywords:
Mitochondrial DNA copy numberNuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2Nuclear respiratory factors 1ObesityPeroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator-1αSterol regulatory element-binding protein-1cSuperparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles

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