Researchers have discovered the potential of zinc oxide nanoparticles to improve kidney function and combat diabetic nephropathy, paving the way for new therapeutic approaches in managing diabetes-associated kidney problems. Diabetic nephropathy is a common, serious complication and debilitating condition caused by long-term diabetes. This promising discovery may pave the way for new therapeutic approaches in managing diabetes-associated kidney problems.
Diabetic nephropathy is a complication caused by long-term diabetes. It affects 20-50 percent of patients with type-I diabetes. It is caused by a gradual decline in kidney function, often resulting in end-stage renal disease (ESRD). In patients with diabetes, high blood sugar induces oxidative stress in the kidney, and activates inflammatory molecules. Several molecules and products derived from plants are being investigated for their therapeutic role in diabetic nephropathy.
Diabetic nephropathy in diabetic patients is associated with zinc deficiency. Zinc oxide nanoparticles act as a depot for the sustained release of bioavailable zinc ions. Studies conducted in animal models of ARI have proven the glucose lowering, insulinomimetic and beta expander effects of zinc oxide nanoparticles. Recently, experiments were conducted to see if zinc oxide nanoparticles could also reduce the cellular pathways leading to kidney damage.
In a study conducted by researchers at the Agharkar Research Institute, Pune, an autonomous institute of the Department of Science and Technology, on Wistar rats suffering from diabetic nephropathy, treatment with zinc oxide nanoparticles significantly improved kidney function compared to insulin-treated diabetic rats.
Additionally, zinc oxide nanoparticles protected against high blood sugar-induced inflammatory cell death. Zinc oxide nanoparticle treatment also protected certain proteins that are essential for kidney function.
The findings, published in the journal Life Sciences, suggest that zinc oxide nanoparticles may serve as a complementary therapeutic agent for treating diabetic complications. The study proposes a potential mechanism through which zinc oxide nanoparticles prevent diabetic nephropathy, making it the first study to systematically demonstrate the effects of zinc oxide nanoparticles on podocytes.
