Treatment of obesity by selectively delivery of thyroid hormone to white adipose tissue


Grant Data
Project Title
Treatment of obesity by selectively delivery of thyroid hormone to white adipose tissue
Principal Investigator
Dr Chen, Kang   (Principal Investigator (PI))
Co-Investigator(s)
Dr Wang Weiping   (Co-Investigator)
Professor Xu Aimin   (Co-Investigator)
Duration
36
Start Date
2022-02-19
Amount
1499516
Conference Title
Treatment of obesity by selectively delivery of thyroid hormone to white adipose tissue
Presentation Title
Keywords
adipose tissue, liposomes, microneedles, obesity, thyroid hormone
Discipline
Others - Medicine, Dentistry and Health
HKU Project Code
08192146
Grant Type
Health and Medical Research Fund - Full Grant
Funding Year
2020
Status
On-going
Objectives
Objectives: We aim to transport thyroid hormone (T3) to white adipose tissue (WAT) specifically by a composite drug delivery system for the management of obesity. Hypothesis to be tested: More T3 distribution in WAT and less T3 distribution in other tissues will be obtained. Design and subjects: The composite drug delivery strategy includes targeted and local delivery. Firstly, T3 will be loaded in liposomes (T3@PL), which is modified with a WAT targeting peptide (PTP). Secondly, T3@PL will be incorporated in microneedles to obtain the composite drug delivery system (T3@PL@MN). The microneedles can create tiny holes in the skin surface and upload T3@PL in dermis layer, which is close to WAT. Due to the high affinity to WAT, T3@PL will be absorbed and release T3 in WAT. Instruments: In vivo imaging system (IVIS), Comprehensive Lab Animal Monitoring System, and VisualSonics Vevo® 2100 Imaging System. Interventions: T3@PL@MN will be administrated on the skin surface of mouse. T3@PL will be injected directly as a reference group. Main outcome measures: For WAT targeting measurement, liposomes distribution (fluorescence signal) in different tissues will be detected. For anti-obesity measurement, body weight and fat content of mouse will be detected. For side effect measurement, echocardiography, bone density and liver related enzymes will be detected. Data analysis: Statistical analyses will be carried out using Prism 9 software. Expected results: After administration, with the assistance of T3@PL@MN, high level of T3 accumulates in WAT. Increased anti-obesity effect and decreased side effect of T3 will be obtained.