Background: The rise in hyperlipidemia cases is still alarming, worldwide. This study determined the effect of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) on hyperlipidemia in experimental rats.
Methods: Rats were assigned to six equal groups of five rats. Hyperlipidemia was induced by 7 days intraperitoneal injection of Triton X-100. Group 1 (Sham) received standard diet, Group 2 (Negative control) received 100 mg/kg Triton X-100, Group 3 (Standard) received 100 mg/ kg Triton X-100 and 10 mg/kg atorvastatin, Group 4 received 100 mg/kg Triton X-100 and 100 μg/kg ZnO NPs, Group 5 received 100 mg/kg Triton X-100 and 300 μg/kg ZnO NPs and Group 6 received 100 mg/kg Triton X-100 and 500 μg/kg ZnO NPs, orally.
Results: ZnO NPs displayed a light crystalline phase with fine peaks of ZnO wurtzite structure. ZnO showed lower antioxidant activity at concentrations of 60 and 100 μg/mL. A significant decrease in serum total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low density lipoproteins (LDL) levels and atherogenic index with a significant increase in high density
lipoproteins (HDL) level were noticed in groups received ZnO NPs in a dose dependent manner. There was a significant decrease in alanine transaminase (ALT) level, with no significant difference in aspartate transaminase (AST) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels at the highest dose. There was a significant decrease in serum antioxidant enzymes and cardiovascular biomarkers. Histologically, there was a healing in cardiac tissue following administration of ZnO NPs.
Conclusion: ZnO NPs were shown to have antihyperlipidemic and cardiovascular protective effects by regulating lipid metabolism-related biochemical parameters.