Researchers from Pune’s Agharkar Research Institute, an autonomous Institute of the Department of Science & Technology (DST) have found therapeutic effect of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZON) on nephropathy, a severe complication and debilitating condition due to prolonged diabetes.
“Zinc deficiency is strongly correlated with prolonged diabetes mellitus and diabetic nephropathy (DN). Previously, glucose-lowering, insulinomimetic, and β-cell proliferative activities of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZON) have been reported. Considering these pleiotropic effects, we hypothesized that ZON modulates multiple cellular pathways associated with necroptosis, inflammation, and renal fibrosis, which are involved in progressive loss of renal function,” the researchers have said.
The findings of the study have been published in the journal Life Sciences.
How can ZON alleviate kidney complications in diabetics?
The researchers studied the effect of ZON on the kidney function of diabetic Wistar rats, a strain of albino rats commonly used in biomedical research due to their well-documented genetic background and consistent health characteristics.
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The new study has proved the glucose-lowering, insulinomimetic, and β-cell proliferative effects of ZON. It can act as a depot for bioavailability of zinc ions, a common issue seen in diabetics. The researchers found that ZON provided protection against high blood sugar induced inflammatory cell death. ZON treatment also preserves certain proteins which are essential for kidney function.
“Trace metals, including zinc, are essential for the precise regulation of growth and development in the human body. In the case of diabetic nephropathy, a robust correlation between inadequate zinc levels and the occurrence of DN has been established,” the researchers have said.
Consistent serum zinc levels can prevent the onset of kidney complication in diabetics and for this inorganic nanoparticulate form of Zinc was used to sustainably release Zinc ions in the body.
The researchers found that ZON treatment in the diabetes rats, which showed signs of polyuria or excessive urine, significantly reduced 24-hour urine output by up to 4 times.
Diabetes nephropathy is a severe complication in diabetes patients
The findings of the study offers a ray of hope for millions of diabetic patients worldwide. Diabetic nephropathy is a complication seen in both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. It develops when high blood sugar levels damage the small blood vessels in the kidneys, impairing their ability to filter waste effectively. This progressive condition is characterized by the gradual loss of kidney function, which can eventually lead to end-stage renal disease (ESRD) requiring dialysis or kidney transplantation.
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