Endocrine nanozymology: Nanozyme applications in diabetes, obesity, and hormonal disorders

Nanozymes, engineered nanomaterials with enzyme-like catalytic activity, are emerging as versatile tools in biomedicine due to their catalytic tunability and higher chemical, thermal, and structural stability compared to natural enzymes. While widely studied in oncology and inflammation, their potential in endocrine disorders remains comparatively underexplored due to the historical focus of nanomedicine on cancer-related oxidative stress, the complexity and heterogeneity of endocrine signaling networks that hinder direct translation, and the scarcity of preclinical models that capture the dynamic and systemic nature of endocrine physiology. However, disruption of hormonal homeostasis by free radical imbalance points to the significant potential of nanozymes in endocrine disorders. By mimicking redox-active enzymes such as catalase, superoxide dismutase, and peroxidase, nanozymes regulate reactive oxygen species (ROS), thereby influencing hormone biosynthesis, receptor sensitivity, and redox signaling. They also offer advantages such as composite architectures, targeted delivery, and integration into smart platforms like hydrogels and biosensors. This review explores the expanding role of nanozymes in endocrine and metabolic diseases, including diabetes, obesity, thyroid and adrenal dysfunctions, and reproductive disorders. We highlight advances in glucose biosensing, hormone detection, redox-targeted therapies, and regenerative approaches. Despite promising preclinical data, there is a lack of clinical trials and long-term biosafety assessments of nanozymes, underscoring the need for further translational studies. By bridging nanotechnology and hormonal regulation, we outline future research directions toward integrating nanozymes into endocrine diagnostics and therapeutics.