Efficacy of zinc oxide nanoparticles in attenuating pancreatic damage in a rat model of streptozotocin-induced diabetes

ABSTRACT

Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) therapy is a promising strategy for treatment of several diseases. We aimed to investigate the therapeutic potential of ZnO NPs in ameliorating the histopathological and functional alterations in the pancreas of a rat model of streptozotocin-induced diabetes. Rats were randomized into control, diabetic and ZnO NPs-treated diabetic groups. Biochemical assays of blood glucose and serum insulin were performed. Pancreas specimens were processed for light and electron microscope examinations. ZnO NPs effectively reversed diabetes-induced pancreatic injury, as evidenced by the structural and ultrastructural improvement and confirmed by biochemical normalization of blood glucose and serum insulin.

KEYWORDS:

• Diabetes
• histopathology
• rat
• pancreas
• zinc oxide nanoparticles

Declaration of interest

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.