The Synthesis and Evaluation of RGD-Conjugated Chitosan Gel as Daily Supplement for Body Weight Control.

(1)

Background

Obesity is one of the most widespread chronic diseases and increases the risk of several other chronic diseases, especially type 2 diabetes. (2)

Methods

Endobarrier is a new medical device what is worn in the small intestines for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and obesity. However, given the invasive and other adverse effects of the Endobarrier, we propose the use of RGD peptide conjugated with chitosan (RC) as an alternative. (3)

Results

The FTIR and NMR spectrum showed RGD peptide was successfully conjugated on chitosan and RGD-CT is retained in the small intestine even after digestion. In vitro of wst-1 and live and dead staining studies show that the RGD-CT gel is highly biocompatible and non-toxic. Rats treated with the RGD-CT gel for a short term showed significant decrease change more than 30% in body weight, while the blood and hematic biometrics were within normal values. (4)

Conclusions

The RGD-CT gel is safe, suitable for the short-term, reducing visceral fat rate health food to control weight. In the future, it is expected to develop a safe, long-term effective, flexibility of use and low-side-effect anti-obesity therapy in the era of precision medicine by further modification.