High-dose gold nanoparticle treatment outperformed orlistat in reversing obesity-related damage in rats, according to research conducted by Alexandria University, Erbil Polytechnic University, and Pharos University.
Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) demonstrated significant anti-obesity effects, reducing body fat, improving metabolic health, and restoring organ function in rats with diet-induced obesity. The team compared the impact of AuNPs and orlistat, a commonly used anti-obesity drug, on body composition, metabolic parameters, and organ health.
Obesity is a metabolic disorder generally characterized by excess fat accumulation due to an imbalance between caloric intake and energy expenditure. It is associated with increased risks of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and death.
The World Health Organization reports that global obesity rates have tripled since 1975, with Egypt ranking 18th in adult obesity prevalence at 39.8%. Current treatments, including orlistat, have limited efficacy and undesirable side effects, prompting interest in alternative therapies such as AuNPs.
In the study, “Effect of Gold Nanoparticles Treatment on Rats-Induced Obesity by Evaluating Body-Composition Directly and Indirectly via Bioelectric Impedance Analysis,” published in Scientific Reports, researchers induced obesity in 40 male Wistar Albino rats by feeding them a high-fat diet for nine weeks.
The rats were then divided into treatment groups receiving either daily or weekly AuNPs injections at varying doses or daily orlistat injections. A control group of eight rats was fed a standard diet. Body composition was assessed using bioelectric impedance analysis and dissection. Blood samples were analyzed for lipid profiles, fasting blood glucose (FBG), and oxidative stress markers. Liver and kidney tissues were examined histologically and ultrastructurally.
Researchers measured body composition via bioelectric impedance analysis and direct dissection. High doses of gold nanoparticles reduced body fat, increased muscle mass, and restored biochemical parameters such as triglycerides, glucose, and oxidative-stress markers to near-normal levels. These effects were more pronounced compared to rats treated with orlistat or lower doses of AuNPs.
Blood analysis indicated that AuNPs treatment restored lipid profiles, FBG, and oxidative stress markers to normal levels. Histological examination revealed that AuNPs reduced fat accumulation and improved liver and kidney cell structure, while orlistat-treated rats showed persistent organ damage.
Findings suggest that AuNPs could offer a promising alternative to conventional obesity treatments by improving metabolic parameters and reducing organ damage. Further research is needed to determine their safety and efficacy in human applications.
More information: Rana M. Selima et al, Effect of gold nanoparticles treatment on rats-induced obesity by evaluating body-composition directly and indirectly via bioelectric impedance analysis, Scientific Reports (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41598-025-87971-z
Journal information: Scientific Reports
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