title: Zinc oxide nanoparticles show antidiabetic activity in streptozotocin-induced Type 1 and 2 diabetic rats.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  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.
  
  
  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.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Zinc oxide nanoparticles are a promising antidiabetic agent warranting further studies.
authors: Centre for Nanobioscience, Agharkar Research Institute, G G Agarkar Road, Pune 411004, Maharashtra, India.
authors: Rinku D
authors: RD
authors: Umrani
authors: Kishore M
authors: KM
authors: Paknikar
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001786:Blood Glucose / Q000187:drug effects; D003921:Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000737:chemistry; D007328:Insulin / Q000097:blood; D008099:Liver / Q000187:drug effects; D053758:Nanoparticles / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000737:chemistry; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar; D015034:Zinc Oxide / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000737:chemistry
chemical_list: D001786:Blood Glucose; D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents; D007328:Insulin; D015034:Zinc Oxide