Obesity Research Cluster 2nd Annual Meeting and Poster competition

Objectives: Macrophages are determinant cells for atherosclerotic lesion formation. The objectives of this study were to incorporate macrophage target ligands on the surface of biocompatible and biodegradable epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG)-loaded nanoparticles (Enano), to evaluate their target specificity to macrophages and antiatherogenic effects in vitro and in vivo. Method: The target specificity to macrophages (in vitro) and to atherosclerotic lesions in low density lipoprotein receptor knockout (LDLr-/-) mice was measured using a fluorescence microscopy and IVIS® in vivo imaging system, respectively. Macrophage cholesterol content was determined using a HPLC method, and macrophage monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1) release was measured using an ELISA kit. After treating LDLr-/mice with EGCG, untargeted Enano, targeted Enano, void untargeted nano, void targeted nano, or saline via weekly intravenous injection for 20 weeks, atherosclerotic lesion area and inflammatory response were determined. Results: As compared to untargeted Enano, targeted Enano significantly increased their binding affinity to THP-1 macrophages,increased macrophage EGCG content and decreased macrophage expression and release of MCP-1. The targeted Enano improved the target specificity to atherosclerotic lesions, and decreased atherosclerotic lesion area and inflammatory responsein LDLr-/mice. Conclusions: Targeted nanoparticles represent a potential breakthrough in molecular imaging of atherosclerosis and have a potential for the prevention and treatment of atherosclerosis. Grant Funding Source: Grant Funding Source: NIH 1R15AT007013-01 _______________________________________________________ The effects of EGCG and EGCG nanoparticles on body weight and body composition in LDL receptor null mice Yujiao Zu, Jia Zhang, Shufang Nie, Shu Wang Nutritional Sciences, TTU Abstract Objective: We successfully synthesized epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) encapsulated nanoparticles (Enano), and incorporated macrophage-targeting ligands on the surface of Enano (L-Enano). The objective of this study is to investigate the effect of EGCG, Enano and L-Enano on body weight, food intake and body composition of LDL receptor null mice (LDLr-/mice).Method: Male LDL r-/mice were fed with an atherogenic diet and received intravenously administration of 1×PBS, EGCG, Enano, or L-Enano dissolved in 1×PBS at EGCG dose 25 mg/kg body weight for 22 weeks. Food intake and body weight were measured weekly by manual weighing using an electronic laboratory balance, body composition was measured at week 0,10 and 22 using EchoMRI Body Composition Analyzer. Results: Food intake was similar among all groups. As compared to 1×PBS group, all treatment groups decreased body weight, body fat mass and body fat percentage. L-Enano compared to Enano decreased body fat percentage. Mice treated with EGCG had less body weight and body fat mass than mice treated with Enano or L-Enano. Conclusion: LDLr-Objective: We successfully synthesized epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) encapsulated nanoparticles (Enano), and incorporated macrophage-targeting ligands on the surface of Enano (L-Enano). The objective of this study is to investigate the effect of EGCG, Enano and L-Enano on body weight, food intake and body composition of LDL receptor null mice (LDLr-/mice).Method: Male LDL r-/mice were fed with an atherogenic diet and received intravenously administration of 1×PBS, EGCG, Enano, or L-Enano dissolved in 1×PBS at EGCG dose 25 mg/kg body weight for 22 weeks. Food intake and body weight were measured weekly by manual weighing using an electronic laboratory balance, body composition was measured at week 0,10 and 22 using EchoMRI Body Composition Analyzer. Results: Food intake was similar among all groups. As compared to 1×PBS group, all treatment groups decreased body weight, body fat mass and body fat percentage. L-Enano compared to Enano decreased body fat percentage. Mice treated with EGCG had less body weight and body fat mass than mice treated with Enano or L-Enano. Conclusion: LDLr/mice treated with free EGCG lost more body weight and body fat mass than mice treated with EGCG nanoparticles. Dean Cynthia Peterson Connecting the Dots: Opportunities for Interdisciplinary Research and Education LSU, college of sciences