Scientific research is increasingly confirming that gold nanoparticles can cause targeted
weight loss by acting solely on fat deposits without negatively affecting muscle tissue.
In addition, these nanoparticles demonstrate a wide range of positive effects for the body - from a powerful anti-inflammatory effect to stabilize blood glucose levels, which makes them a promising area in medicine and biotechnology.
Researchers from Egypt's Alexandria University have expanded the knowledge of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) by demonstrating that weekly doses can lead to significant weight loss - perhaps even greater than GLP-1 class drugs (such as Ozempic) - and, unlike those drugs, showed no signs of muscle wasting.
But there's a catch. Although the results look promising - a 36% reduction in fat mass over nine weeks, while GLP-1 drugs usually lead to a loss of 10-20% of body weight (of which up to 20% is muscle) - so far all studies have been limited to animal trials. Scientists have yet to confirm the efficacy and safety of this method for humans. However, this study brings the new obesity treatment one step closer to human trials.
In a study on rats, scientists compared different doses of AuNPs with a control (no treatment) and the existing weight-loss drug orlistat (trade name Xenical). During the experiment, rats with diet-induced obesity were divided into groups and subjected to different treatments for nine weeks. At the end of the study, scientists analyzed in detail their body composition, the state of internal organs and key metabolic indicators.
The results were impressive: high weekly doses of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) led to a significant reduction in fat deposits, while promoting increased muscle mass and improved metabolism in the test animals.
In addition, as in previous studies, there was an increase in blood glucose levels, a decrease in inflammation, and an attenuation of oxidative stress.
Histologic analysis showed that AuNPs promoted tissue repair in the liver and kidney, while in contrast, the traditional weight-loss drug orlistat had a negative effect on these organs.
Using bioelectrical bioimpedance analysis (BIA), a common non-invasive method for measuring body fat mass (BFM), body fat free mass (BFFF) and total body water (TBW), the researchers found that AuNPs are also able to target the right lipid cells.
The high weekly dose group experienced an average fat loss of 36%, which was more effective than daily high doses (33%) and significantly better than the rats taking orlistat (18%). In fact, twice as effective.
"BIA and body composition diagnostics showed that high doses of gold nanoparticles resulted in significant reductions in fat mass and improvements in skeletal and muscular structure parameters, making them a promising alternative to current obesity control methods," the researchers said in the paper.
"Previous studies have shown that orlistat can curb weight gain associated with obesity. However, AuNPs show a more pronounced effect due to their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, as well as their unique ability to selectively accumulate in adipose tissue, which enhances their effects on fat deposits," the scientists add.
In an era where GLP-1 drugs dominate obesity treatment, it is easy to overlook the existence of alternative remedies such as orlistat. Unlike Semaglutide (known by the trade name Wegovy) and Ozempic, orlistat works differently - it inhibits the absorption of fats in the intestine.
Although its long-term efficacy is inferior to GLP-1 (average weight loss is about 6%), this drug remains more affordable and may be an alternative for those who experience severe side effects from GLP-1.
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To date, there have been no direct comparisons between GLP-1 and gold nanoparticles. However, given the ability of AuNPs to preserve muscle mass, they can be considered not as a replacement or competitor of GLP-1 drugs, but as an additional method of therapy that expands the possibilities of obesity treatment.
AuNPs have been in the spotlight for the past decade, and now there is growing interest in unlocking their potential for weight loss. The latest study builds on earlier results presented in these 2018 and 2023 studies.
Currently, gold nanoparticles are already used in a number of medical technologies, including cancer treatment and targeted drug delivery. However, their use in the treatment of obesity is still at the preclinical stage - no human trials have been conducted yet.
One of the key reasons for this is the lack of understanding of potential risks, in particular the possible toxicity of AuNPs in long-term use.
"Since an estimated 60% of the world's population will be overweight or obese by 2030, we urgently need innovative treatments for obesity," the researchers add. "Although AuNPs show promise for the treatment of obesity, more research is needed to address whether these particles pose a risk to human organs."
The study was published in the journal Science Reports.