Publications

Research outputs, reports, policy briefs and knowledge products from KIU scholars and partners.

2025 School of Pharmacy IDOSR JOURNAL OF SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH

Nanoparticle Based Gene Therapy for Obesity and Metabolic Syndrome

Mukisa Ian Mugaiga

Obesity and metabolic syndrome are multifactorial conditions characterized by dysregulated energy metabolism, insulin resistance, chronic inflammation, and increased risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Conventional pharmacological treatments often provide modest benefits and suffer from limited durability. Gene therapy has emerged as a transformative approach to correct the underlying molecular defects driving these disorders. However, effective delivery of genetic material such as DNA, mRNA, siRNA, and miRNA which remains a formidable challenge due to degradation, poor cellular uptake, and off-target effects. Nanoparticles offer versatile delivery platforms that protect genetic cargo, improve biodistribution, and enable tissue-specific targeting. Recent studies demonstrate that nanoparticle-based gene therapy can modulate pathways such as adipogenesis, lipolysis, insulin signaling, and appetite regulation, producing sustained metabolic improvements in preclinical models. This review explores the principles of nanoparticle-mediated gene therapy, recent advances in obesity and metabolic syndrome research, translational barriers, clinical perspectives, and future directions. Nanoparticle-enabled gene therapy holds immense potential, but long-term safety, large-scale production, and regulatory approval remain significant hurdles before clinical application. Keywords: Obesity, Metabolic syndrome, Gene therapy, Nanoparticles, Nucleic acids