SummaryThe role of emotional functioning in the development and maintenance of obesity has been investigated, but the literature is poorly integrated. A systematic review and meta-analysis was performed to explore emotional processing impairments in obesity. PubMed, Web of Knowledge and PsycINFO databases were searched in March 2016, yielding 31 studies comparing emotional processing competencies in individuals with obesity, with or without binge eating disorder (BED), and control groups. Meta-analyses demonstrated that individuals with obesity had higher scores of alexithymia (d = 0.53), difficulty in identifying feelings (d = 0.34) and externally oriented thinking style (d = 0.31), when compared with control groups. On other competencies, patients with obesity, especially those with comorbid BED, reported lower levels of emotional awareness and difficulty in using emotion regulation strategies, namely, reduced cognitive reappraisal and acceptance, and greater suppression of expression. No evidence of impaired ability to recognize emotions in others or verbally express emotions was found. A general emotion-processing deficit in obesity was not supported. Instead, an emotional avoidance style may occur modulating later responses of emotion regulation. Additional research is needed to extend the comprehension of these conclusions and the role of BED in emotional functioning in obesity.

The possibility of using the RNA interference (RNAi) mechanisms in gene therapy was one of the scientific breakthroughs of the last century. Despite the extraordinary therapeutic potential of this approach, the need for an efficient gene carrier is hampering the translation of the RNAi technology to the clinical setting. Although a diversity of nanocarriers has been described, liposomes continue to be one of the most attractive siRNA vehicles due to their relatively low toxicity, facilitated siRNA complexation, high transfection efficiency and enhanced pharmacokinetic properties. </P><P> This review focuses on RNAi as a therapeutic approach, the challenges to its application, namely the nucleic acids’ delivery process, and current strategies to improve therapeutic efficacy. Additionally, lipid-based nanocarriers are described, and lessons learned from the relation between biophysical properties and biological performance of the dioctadecyldimethylammonium:monoolein (DODAX: MO) system are explored. </P><P> Liposomes show great potential as siRNA delivery systems, being safe nanocarriers to protect nucleic acids in circulation, extend their half-life time, target specific cells and reduce off-target effects. Nevertheless, several issues related to delivery must be overcome before RNAi therapies reach their full potential, namely target-cell specificity and endosomal escape. Understanding the relationship between biophysical properties and biological performance is an essential step in the gene therapy field.

Liposomes have received extensive attention as nanocarriers for bioactive compounds due to their good biocompatibility, possibility of targeting and incorporation of hydrophilic and hydrophobic compounds. Although generally considered as safe, detailed knowledge of the effects induced in cells and tissues with which they interact is still underexplored. The aim of this study is to gain insight into the toxicity profile of dioctadecyldimethylammonium (DODAX) : monoolein(MO) liposomes (X is bromide or chloride), previously validated for gene therapy, by evaluating the effect of the counter ions Br or Cl, and of the cationic : neutral lipid molar fraction, both and. Effects on cellular metabolism and proliferation, plasma membrane integrity, oxidative stress, mitochondrial membrane potential dysfunction and ability to trigger apoptosis and necrosis were evaluated in a dose-/time-dependent manner in normal human skin fibroblasts. Also, newly fertilized zebrafish zygotes were exposed to liposomes, permitting a fast-track evaluation of the morphophysiological modifications. data showed that only very high doses of DODAX : MO induce apoptosis and necrosis, inhibit cell proliferation, and affect the metabolism and plasma membrane integrity of fibroblasts in a dose-/time-dependent manner. Furthermore, liposomes affected mitochondrial function, increasing ROS accumulation and disturbing mitochondrial membrane potential. DODAC-based liposomes were consistently more toxic when compared to DODAB-based formulations; furthermore, the inclusion of MO was found to reduce toxicity, in contrast to liposomes with cationic DODAX only, especially in DODAB : MO (1 : 2) nanocarriers. These results were corroborated, in a holistic approach, by cytotoxicity profiling in five additional human cell lines, and also with the zebrafish embryotoxicity testing, which constitutes a sensitive and informative tool and accurately extends cell-based assays.