Differential dose-dependent effects of zinc oxide nanoparticles on oxidative stress-mediated pancreatic β-cell death
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Updated: Mar 6, 2026

Isolated Pancreatic Islet Treatment and Apoptosis Measurement
Published on: May 2, 2025
Swati C Asani1, Rinku D Umrani1, Kishore M Paknikar1
1Nanobioscience, Agharkar Research Institute, G. G. Agarkar Road, Pune 411004, Maharashtra, India.
Aim:
To study the effects of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZON) on oxidative stress-mediated pancreatic β-cell death.
Methods:
Cellular uptake of ZON, effects on antioxidant factors and apoptosis were studied.
Results:
ZON get internalized by endocytosis and increase intracellular zinc ion levels. ZON treatment (30 and 100 μg/ml) to RIN5f cells resulted in cytotoxicity, oxidative stress and apoptosis. ZON (1, 3, 10 μg/ml, subcytotoxic concentrations) increased super oxide dismutase activity and levels of reduced glutathione in RIN5f cells. Furthermore, ZON (subcytotoxic concentrations) protected RIN5f cells from H2O2-induced oxidative stress as evidenced by reduced reactive oxygen species levels; increased super oxide dismutase activity and glutathione levels; and reduced apoptotic death.
Conclusion:
ZON (subcytotoxic concentrations) protect pancreatic β cells from oxidative-stress-mediated cell death.

