Topic of Research Seminar: Encapsulation and Surface Interaction of Enzymes with Mesoporous Silica Particles – A Potential Therapeutic Agent
Abstract: Over the last two decades, mesoporous silica materials (MSMs) have been the focus of abundant research in general and within the life-science field. In the life science field, MSM are used as drug delivery vehicles to improve bioavailability, and controlled drug release agents.1 MSMs have interesting characteristics that can be controlled such as pore size, surface area, pore volume, surface nature, pore architecture as well as overall particle morphology. The MSMs are commonly known for their thermal and chemical stability and high biocompatibility.
According to the European Group for studying insulin resistance, the metabolic syndrome is defined as cluster of conditions including insulin resistance (hyperinsulinaemia), central obesity (waist circumference ≥94cm male and ≥80cm female), dyslipidaemia (triglycride levels >2mmol/L or HDL cholesterol <1,0), hypertension (blood pressure ≥40/90 mmHg and or medication), and high fasting plasma glucose level (≥6.1mmol/L).3,4 Generally, obesity is associated with an excessive accumulation of adipose tissue (body fat) and is considered as a health disaster. The prevalence is increasing significantly in both developed and developing countries. Obesity results from an imbalance between food intake and energy expenditure, causing an excessive accumulation of adipose tissue. The prevalence of obesity and diabetes worldwide is estimated to 783 million people in 2045, and 6.7 million deaths dues to diabetes alone in 2021.5 Obesity is typically defined using body mass index (BMI), which will be a BMI of 30 kg/m2 or greater. One of most the devastating outcome of obesity is type 2 diabetes (T2D) mellitus as its prevalence is expected to increase.6–8 Obesity and diabetes are linked to an increased prevalence of dyslipidemia. An increased level of plasma free fatty acids, cholesterol and triglycerides, decreased levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and altered low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is seen in dyslipidemia and these factors are associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular diseases.9 These conditions are posing immense consequences on public health related efforts and costs. T2D is characterized by chronic hyperglycemia and disturbances of carbohydrate, fat and protein metabolism resulting from defects in insulin secretion, insulin action, or both.10,11 The International Diabetes Federation estimated that 425 million adults were living with diabetes worldwide in 2017. An important biomarker of hyperglycemia is HbA1c, a hemoglobin glycation marker found on red blood cells. The levels of HbA1c reflects the average blood plasma glucose levels over 8–12 weeks.12, 13
Finding safe and efficacious treatments is therefore desirable. We hypothesize that mesoporous silica particles (MSPs) with pore dimensions matching the size of enzymes catalyzing carbohydrates and lipids digestion and having micron size particles can work mechanically in the GI tract effectually without serious side effect, in a inhibitory manner. After the action, the MSPs leave the GI tract and are not taken up in the body. Previously, we have shown that MSPs affect metabolic parameters such as weight and blood lipids to levels that are of clinical relevance.19,20 In this project, we are working in collaboration with biologist, clinicians, and other industrial partners to further our understanding regarding underlying mechanism for MSPs of the MSM kind. Their effects and biocompatibility are studied in murine models and clinical trials.
Subject Field of Topic: Meso-porous Materials
Name of Speaker: Muhammad Naeem Iqbal
Professorial Rank of Speaker: PhD Scholar
University Email of Speaker: [email protected]; [email protected]
Affiliation of Speaker: STOCKHOLM University, SWEDEN
Date of Seminar: Monday, 17th March 2022, on 1400 hrs (PST)
Venue: CR 202 New SNS Building, NUST H-12 Campus, Islamabad