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Published on: February 17, 2023
Zinc oxide nanoparticles show antidiabetic activity in streptozotocin-induced Type 1 and 2 diabetic rats
Rinku D Umrani1, Kishore M Paknikar
1Centre for Nanobioscience, Agharkar Research Institute, G G Agarkar Road, Pune 411004, Maharashtra, India.
Aim:
The correlation of diabetes and an imbalance in zinc homeostasis makes zinc-based therapy an attractive proposition. In this study, zinc oxide nanoparticles were evaluated for antidiabetic effects and safety.
Materials & Methods:
Zinc oxide nanoparticles (1, 3 and 10 mg/kg) were tested for antidiabetic activity in streptozotocin-induced Type 1 and 2 diabetic rats. A single-dose pharmacokinetic study, cytotoxicity, hemolysis, acute and subacute toxicity tests, and mechanism-of-action studies were performed.
Results:
Oral administration of zinc oxide nanoparticles resulted in significant antidiabetic effects--that is, improved glucose tolerance, higher serum insulin (70%), reduced blood glucose (29%), reduced nonesterified fatty acids (40%) and reduced triglycerides (48%). Nanoparticles were systemically absorbed resulting in elevated zinc levels in the liver, adipose tissue and pancreas. Increased insulin secretion and superoxide dismutase activity were also seen in rat insulinoma (RIN-5F) cells. Nanoparticles were safe up to a 300 mg/kg dose in rats.
Conclusion:
Zinc oxide nanoparticles are a promising antidiabetic agent warranting further studies.
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